Here are 13 former Sheffield United men released by their current clubs ahead of the new season - including players who were once highly-rated young stars and stalwarts of previous Bramall Lane promotion campaigns.
One has already been fixed up after agreeing an attractive pre-contract move to Rangers but others are facing a more uncertain future in the game...
5. Gary Madine
Dowell’s former United teammate, and another member of the 2018/19 promotion squad, Madine has been let go by Blackpool following their relegation to League One. The striker was already facing a long spell on the sidelines after an ACL injury prematurely curtailed his season and is now looking for a new club Photo: Clive Brunskill
6. Kyle Naughton
The former Blades wonderkid is now 34 and although Russell Martin hoped to keep him at Swansea, he is looking for a new challenge this summer. Naughton helped Swansea finish eighth in the Premier League after joining from Spurs and also was part of the team that reached the play-off final in 2021 Photo: Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images
7. Kean Bryan
Injuries have restricted the former United man to just a handful of appearances at West Brom, where he moved after his contract at Bramall Lane expired following relegation
8. Paul Coutts
Still not giving the ball away at 34, Coutts has been released by Bristol Rovers but has reportedly been offered the chance to stay as part of Joey Barton’s coaching staff Photo: Dan Mullan