Source: Team_Talk
Blades capture keeper Simonsen
Sheffield United have sealed the free-transfer capture of former Stoke keeper Steve Simonsen on a two-year contract. The 31-year-old shot-stopper returns to Bramall Lane following a successful seven game loan stint at the back end of last season.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.Blades boss Kevin Blackwell is delighted to have captured Simonsen as his No.1 after previous incumbent Paddy Kenny's unexpected exit to QPR.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."We dropped points early on through being caught unawares but Steve has proved experienced and reliable which is just what we need right now."The United manager is delighted to have got his man as he plots a promotion bid from the Championship."It is about ticking boxes in the squad, and getting in a quality goalkeeper has now definitely been ticked," said the United boss.Simonsen's capture means the Blades have captured four summer recruits so far after the arrivals of Leon Britton, Daniel Bogdanovic and Johnny Ertl.