Blades capture keeper Simonsen

02 July 2010 18:06
Sheffield United have sealed the free-transfer capture of former Stoke keeper Steve Simonsen on a two-year contract.[LNB] The 31-year-old shot-stopper returns to Bramall Lane following a successful seven game loan stint at the back end of last season.[LNB]He had a clause in his Stoke contract which allowed him to depart on a free transfer if he was offered a chance of a move by another club and the keeper left the Potters on Thursday, ending a six-year stay at the Britannia Stadium.[LNB]Blades boss Kevin Blackwell is delighted to have captured Simonsen as his No.1 after previous incumbent Paddy Kenny's unexpected exit to QPR.[LNB]Blackwell told the club's official website: "It is very hard replacing a top class goalkeeper but I think we have done that. Last season he not only impressed the players and the staff but also the fans which is important.[LNB]"We dropped points early on through being caught unawares but Steve has proved experienced and reliable which is just what we need right now."[LNB]The United manager is delighted to have got his man as he plots a promotion bid from the Championship.[LNB]"It is about ticking boxes in the squad, and getting in a quality goalkeeper has now definitely been ticked," said the United boss.[LNB]Simonsen's capture means the Blades have captured four summer recruits so far after the arrivals of Leon Britton, Daniel Bogdanovic and Johnny Ertl.

Source: Team_Talk