It’s decision time at Bramall Lane, as ten Blades players contracts end, with their future as yet undecided.
Vital Sheff Utd takes a look at them and where they could be playing their football next season:
Ian Bennett:
There’s a very good chance ‘Benno’ will be staying at the Lane despite being overlooked when Paddy Kenny received his suspension. Manager Kevin Blackwell has often commented on Bennett’s role as the number two, and after coaching the youth team this season, it appears the Worksop born stopper could have a home for some years yet.
Henri Camara & Jonathan Fortune
Both brought in after the beginning of the season, the pair have seen their time at the Lane hampered by injury and despite both having Premier League experience, will be looking elsewhere next season. Camara’s use as an impact player has been seen on occasion this season, but no club wants to pay a player to spend too long on the treatment table.
Derek Geary
The former Wednesday full-back is a firm favourite at Bramall Lane, and when called upon this season looked like he had never been away. His ability and determination are unquestionable, but with one more knee injury likely to end his career, is he a viable option?
James Harper
Been on hand to score an important goal when it was needed at Plymouth and Doncaster Rovers, James Harper has shown glimpses of what he is capable of, but for a player earning a healthy wage since his arrival, it is likely to be a case of dropping the pay significantly, or you’re out!
Glen Little
When he has featured, Glen Little has shown the kind of form he produced when helping Reading to a record breaking points tally in 2006. Whether his legs are up to another season is unknown, but as an impact player on a short-term basis, akin to Keith Gillespie in the past, there are few others around as good.
Matthew Lowton
Following a lengthy loan spell in Hungary, Lowton was introduced into first team action with a number of appearances on the bench, before making his first start at Portman Road on the last day of the season. He played a role in the red card, and impressed both Chris Morgan and Kevin Blackwell who have been quick to praise the youngster. I’d expect to see a contract extension with either a loan spell at a football league club, or a spell on the periphery of the side.
Nick Montgomery
Over 300 games for the Blades, and numerous spells on the transfer list, but this could be the time Montgomery is ready to leave for pastures new. A source close to the player told the Vital Sheff Utd editor that ‘no way 100% he won’t be signing a new deal’ and anybody who saw his appearance on Sky Sports News this week may have been unconvinced by his answers when he said he would be staying. However, a U-turn wouldn’t be out of the question for the Blades Player of the Season, who could be in line for the captaincy in the future, as Chris Morgan can’t continue forever.
Gary Naysmith
Following his successful return to the side, Gary Naysmith has stated his intention to stay at Bramall Lane, but the only obstacle standing in the way of a new deal will be his current salary. Can a deal be agreed, I fully expect Naysmith to begin the 2010/11 season with United.
Sam Wedgbury
Wedgbury became a favourite during his time with Ferencvaros playing as a holding midfielder alongisde ex Blade James Ashmore. Unfortunately a broken foot brought a premature end to his time, and upon his return to Sheffield, the same injury hit again following a reserve team game. When speaking to Wedgbury’s agent, he mentioned Gary Speed to be a big fan, which has been documented in the past, so if United opt not to extend his deal, then I would expect him to stay in the ‘Blades family’ and follow Ashmore to the Hungarian giants on a permanent basis.
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