Sheffield United defender Enda Stevens has signed a new long-term deal at the club. The new contract will keep the Republic of Ireland man at Bramall Lane until at least 2023. He has been a key figure in the Blades’ stunning return to the league which sees them fighting for a place in Europe.<\/p>\n
Given where the Blades are in the table placed alongside the expectations most people had for them this season, it’s no wonder that new deals are starting to roll in. Stevens has been one of the key figures in Sheffield United’s excellent campaign under Chris Wilder.<\/p>\n
He has featured at left-wingback in Wilder’s 5-3-2 formation that utilises the unusual technique of overlapping centre-backs. Stevens will often be found far more advanced than a usual left-back, and often a usual left-midfielder, mirroring what fellow defender George Baldock does on the right-hand side.<\/p>\n
It’s worked a treat for the Blades so far, as they currently sit seventh in the Premier League table.<\/p>\n
Stevens moved to Bramall Lane from Portsmouth in the summer of 2017, having just secured the League Two title with Pompey.<\/p>\n
Prior to his time on the South Coast, the 29-year-old was at Aston Villa, where he had loan spells with Notts County, Doncaster Rovers and Northampton Town.<\/p>\n
In his native Ireland, he turned out for Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic and University College Dublin.<\/p>\n
Speaking to the club website, Stevens said: “I’m obviously delighted. It’s something I’ve wanted do get done for a while now, so I’m just pleased it’s finally over the line.<\/p>\n
“As a group we’ve built on the success of last season, but we don’t want to stand still. We want to continue to do well and finish as high in the table as possible.<\/p>\n
“The manager is building something special here. He’s keeping the core group together and now adding to it to make us even stronger and everyone is happy to be involved in the journey.”<\/p>\n
Manager Wilder added: “Enda has become one of the top players in the division, in his position, in our opinion, and he deserves rewarding with a new contract, that’s what we’re trying to do at the moment.<\/p>\n
“His performances have been outstanding for both club and country and he is an important and integral part of our team in and out of possession.”<\/p>\n
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