How is Oli Norwood faring since his Sheffield United exit?
09/26/2024 06:18 AM
Sheffield United cut ties with Oli Norwood following their relegation from the Premier League last season.
Sheffield United endured a tough past campaign in the top flight and finished in the bottom three along with Burnley and Luton Town. They are now aiming for an immediate return from the Championship under the guidance of Chris Wilder.
Norwood, 33, was a great servant to the Blades and made 250 appearances for them in all competitions, 28 of which came last term, and he scored 11 goals. He made the switch to South Yorkshire in 2018 and helped his former club win promotion from the second tier twice during his time there.
The former Northern Ireland international officially became a free agent in late June following the expiration of his deal. He weighed up his options over the summer before linking up with Stockport County in League One in a surprise move.
New challenge
Norwood appeared to have options on the table following his Sheffield United departure. According to Football Insider, Sunderland, Watford, Hull City and some unnamed MLS teams were interested.
However, he ended up dropping into the third tier to pursue a new challenge at Edgeley Park.
The Burnley-born man has since become a key player in the middle of the park for Stockport County.
This is an exciting time to be associated with the Hatters and they are a club on the up. They have grand plans to reach the second tier in the near future and have adapted well to life in League One following their League Two title win earlier this year.
They are sat in 7th place in the table and are outside the play-offs on goal difference behind Lincoln City.
Norwood has played four league matches for Stockport County so far and injects valuable experience into their ranks.
He hasn’t played at their level since 2012 during a loan spell at Scunthorpe United from Manchester United. He has also had spells in the past at Carlisle United, Coventry City, Huddersfield Town, Reading, Brighton and Hove Albion and Fulham.
What now?
Norwood will be eager to get as much game time as possible with the Hatters over the coming weeks and months.
He is guaranteed a starting spot with Dave Challinor’s side, whereas if he had joined a team in the Championship at his age he may have had to bide his time.
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