A former professional footballer will not be showing any World Cup games in his hotel bar for fear of rowdy crowds ruining the atmosphere for his clientele.
Kevin Gage, who played for The Blades between 1991 and 1996, said the Manor House Hotel had not put up flags and will not be showing any games on TV.
In fact, he said: “If you want to come and escape the World Cup, you can come here.”
Mr Gage said he wasn’t really trying to draw in business by avoiding the World Cup but staying true to the style of business that his hotel has.
He said: “We don’t want to ruin the business we have – having mass rowdy crowds doesn’t fit in with being a boutique hotel.”
Mr Gage acquired the 15th century Grade II listed building in 2009 along with his business partner Stephen Geary. They “renovated, re-designed and re-styled” the property after acquisition.
The Manor House Hotel is now billed as a boutique hotel with a café lounge and bar. It has a mix of single and double rooms as well as two suites.
It is located on the high street of Dronfield, in the old part of the town.
Asked if he thought it odd that an ex-professional footballer would do this, Mr Gage said a lot of the clientele weren’t familiar with his past career that ended more than 20 years ago. He added he will be watching the World Cup games elsewhere.
