A quiet deadline day didn’t kick into action for Blades fans until 4.40, but the Blades sealed the deal for two players, each with promotion credentials, and Premiership experience.
James Harper and Jordan Stewart joined the club, whilst Lee Hendrie, Brian Howard and Billy Sharp joined Leigh Bromby as they headed for the exit door.
Here’s what Kevin Blackwell and the new boys have had to say:
Kevin Blackwell:
‘It’s been hectic, it’s been non-stop from the first phone call at 6.30am until about eight minutes to five when the Billy Sharp deal went through.
‘I’m not a fan of the transfer window, I’m glad it is finished.’
‘I missed out on a striker but there were complications with the foreign club he was attached to but there is time to work in the loan market. Now that Billy (Sharp) has gone I think I need more strength in that area.’
‘We turned down bids from Middlesbrough and Newcastle (for Kilgallon) and now we have to sit down and come to agreement with him, he’s here for another year and we don’t want to let our best players go.’
Jordan Stewart:
‘When I’ve been here with an opposition team it’s been very hostile. The fans are great for the home team and it will be good to be on the same side!’
‘I’m very excited about coming here, this is a great club with a great fan base.
‘This is a hard-working team and I want to get into the team as quickly as possible. I’m here to try and get my career back on track, hopefully I can bring some pace down the left and create and chip in with a few goals.’
James Harper
‘I’ve already been told the first game here is the derby and I can’t wait – I bet it will be immense.
‘Reading haven’t really got a derby and I bet this place (Bramall Lane) will be buzzing that night – my ears will burst with the atmosphere.’
‘I heard about the Gaffer wanting me a couple of days ago and then I spoke to Blakey (Glen Little).
‘Of course I knew big Darius, he was at Reading with me, and I’ve played against Montgomery, Quinny and Morgan plenty of times.’
‘In one of my first chats with the Gaffer I told him that no one likes playing Sheffield United, they are physically strong, hard working – you don’t get a moment’s rest. I’ve had a lot battles over the years.
‘I wasn’t playing at Reading this season and this is a good chance to come out and play. I’m lucky the manager wants me.’
Lee Hendrie:
‘I worked really hard in the summer to get myself right for Sheffield United. I sacrificed going on holiday with the lads to stay at home and knuckle down on my fitness.’
‘When Sheffield United went to Reading recently and I didn’t even make the six on the bench, I knew my time was up there and it was time to move on.
‘I can’t wait to prove myself at Derby, to be honest.
Richard O’Kelly:
(Doncaster Assistant boss)
‘He is one of those players we’ve looked at ever since he was at Scunthorpe.’
‘We’ve envied the side (Sheffield United) that he plays for because he’s a natural goalscorer.
‘When he played at Scunthorpe he had the ability to play up front in a pair; he could also play on this own.
‘Everything about the boy fits in with the way we play and how we do things, and we are really pleased to have got him for the season.’
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