SHEFFIELD United are determined to erase all debt from their balance sheet - while keeping turnstile prices "affordable".
Under McCabe's stewardship, United have forged a reputation for prudence in a business dominated by reckless spending. Bramall Lane's board of directors want to strike a balance between investing in the team without taking unnecessary risks.
Their latest acquisition, former Barnsley midfielder Brian Howard, made his debut during Saturday's 3-0 win over Bristol City less than 48 hours after completing a £500,000 move from Oakwell.
McCabe has pledged to continue to support manager Kevin Blackwell in the transfer market as United attempt to regain the Premiership status they lost in controversial circumstances 18 months ago.
But his announcement is also a coded message to supporters who have urged them to lavish huge sums on new players following last month's landmark legal victory over the Carlos Tevez Affair.
Speaking from his base in Belgium, McCabe told The Star: "Our aim is to be totally debt free. We believe that's the sensible thing to do in the current climate.
"If you are a football club then it is almost impossible to get a bank to lend you money and we want to ensure we remain in a strong position."
Having agreed to delay talks aimed at deciding the level of damages they will receive following an independent arbitration panel's investigation into Tevez's transfer to West Ham in 2006, United expect to discover the amount next year.
McCabe also announced that directors are exploring ways of rewarding their hard-pressed followers for their support.
He added. "We realise times are tough and that, in all likelihood, they'll get tougher.
"So, to help people out and to continue to make sure we draw good crowds, we're trying to make sure football remains affordable at United."
