Sheffield United duo Billy Sharp and Oliver Norwood have agreed new contracts at Bramall Lane, the club have confirmed.
Sheffield United Duo Billy Sharp and Oliver Norwood Agree New Contracts
Influential On and Off the Pitch
The pair are influential both on and off the pitch at Bramall Lane.
Despite not featuring from the start as regularly this season, Sharp is still valued highly by Chris Wilder due to his influence off the pitch. The club captain is one of the most influential figures in the dressing room, and has played a major part in the Blades journey to the Premier League.
In contrast to his team-mate, Norwood is a mainstay in Wilder’s side. He has featured in all 28 of the Blades Premier League games so far this season.
As a result, the club have committed to handing the pair fresh deals ahead of the Premier League restart. Sharp has signed a new two-year deal, while his 29-year-old team-mate has committed to a further three years.
What Was Said
Club captain Sharp was understandably delighted when speaking to the official Sheffield United website about his new deal.
“This was a no brainer for me, personally. I’ve said previously about wanting to finish my career here and the talks were pretty simple,” he said.
“I want to be a part of this squad for the next two years and see what heights we can reach. The manager and the staff have pushed me to get fitter, stronger and have helped me become a better player. I was over the moon when the gaffer came to me and this feels like it is the best contract I’ve signed, but I’ve worked extremely hard on and off the pitch to earn the deal.
“I would have been looking over my shoulder going into my final year next season, but now I’ve got that bit of comfort which will enable me to keep working hard and contributing and I’m honestly really thankful to the gaffer who still sees me as having a role to play.
Meanwhile, Norwood said: “There’s been a deadly pandemic that’s hit the country, so it’s taken more time then we’d have all hoped, but I honestly wouldn’t have felt comfortable signing at a time when the club was in a bit of unknown in terms of what it would be losing financially.
“Obviously, though, I’m delighted to commit my future to a club that has had the best of me, but there is so much more to come as I continue to mature and grow as a player, it’s not as though I’m going to lose my pace!
“I’ll always been grateful to Sheffield United for giving me the chance to establish myself as a Premier League player, but we’re not settling for where we are now. We’ve all been written off in the past, but now we’ve made people sit up and take notice, we’ve proved people wrong for a long time now and that’s the mentality of the group.”
Main Photo
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