New manager Chris Wilder has signed two players – subject to Football League approval – as he begins reshaping the Sheffield United side for next season.
We have signed a pre contract agreement with experienced winger Mark Duffy who will join the club on a free transfer on July 1 having been released by Birmingham City this summer.
Bury’s Chris Hussey also joined but for an undisclosed fee having impressed in his 50 appearances last season for the Gigg Lane outfit.
Duffy was hugely instrumental in Burton Albion’s promotion to the Championship last season whilst he was out on loan with them, and there was plenty of Championship and League One interest in the 30 year old so Wilder has got a bit of a coup there. On loan for the season, he was an ever present, making 45 appearances, scoring eight goals and providing a number of assists – his performances saw him named in the PFA League One Team of the Year.
He signed a two year deal and Wilder told the Official Site.
‘In our opinion, Mark was the best player in this division last season and we are delighted to have captured his services. Importantly he knows what it takes to get out of League One, which is crucial. He comes here for all the right reasons, he has come here because after listening to us he believes in what we are trying to do, Mark could have moved elsewhere for a significantly better contract. Mark scored and created a good number of goals for Burton, he deservedly was named in the divisional team of the year and is a player we believe can make an impact immediately and also make the step up to the division above.’
27 year old Hussey also signs a two year deal.
‘Chris was another really consistent player in this division last season and we are delighted to have brought him here. He offers us balance, versatility and a good knowledge of the league; in addition we believe he is capable of making the step up to the Championship. Chris is a good age and a player we have monitored and tracked for a number of years.’
