Jack Rodwell is a Sheffield United player until at least the end of the season after signing a short-term contract.
Rodwell has been training with the Blades since December, having been without a club since leaving Blackburn Rovers in the summer.
The 28-year-old came close to joining Roma, but the move fell through. Instead Rodwell returned to England and was given a chance by Chris Wilder.
He made his United debut at the weekend in the 2-1 FA Cup third round win over AFC Fylde. And Rodwell explains why he chose Bramall Lane as his next destination.
“There were plenty of offers on the table during that period but it was about finding the right home for me at this stage of my career,” the England international told the Telegraph.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
“The other offers didn’t seem right but this one seemed perfect. It’s a great club and it just ticked every box.
“The manager is obviously brilliant, and that was very important to me. But the stature of the club, they’re doing well in the league and it just seemed right.
“I feel like I’ve still got a point to prove at the highest level so again, it ticks that box in that regard.”
Where Jack Rodwell fits in at Sheffield United
(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Rodwell’s first game for the Blades gives an indication of where Wilder sees him playing in his side. He featured on the right side of the three-man central defence.
Clearly Wilder thinks that Rodwell can operate as one of his overlapping centre-backs. Generally considered a midfielder throughout his career to date, this is a slight change of tact for the Everton academy graduate.
It certainly worked at the weekend, although that was admittedly against non-league opposition in Fylde. Yet with so much reliance on Chris Basham and Jack O’Connell so far this season, having an experienced player to deputise for them is always useful.
