New signing Jack Rodwell set to make his Sheffield United debut on Sunday
Jack Rodwell has joined Sheffield United until the end of the season after manager Chris Wilder revealed the former England midfielder could take part in Sunday’s FA Cup tie against AFC Fylde.
Previously of Everton, Manchester City and Sunderland, Rodwell has been training at the Steelphalt Academy since last month and has impressed coaching staff with his attitude and application.
Addressing the 28-year-old’s experiences at the Stadium of Light, where he was singled-out for criticism by supporters during the club’s slide down the divisions, Wilder insisted their portrayal on a recent Netflix documentary did not paint an entirely accurate picture.
“He was a highly regarded player at the start of his career,” Wilder said. “It’s gone a little wrong for him, for whatever reason. There’s been no issue with his attitude.
“There are supporters up the road in the North-East who will chuck a load at Jack. I’m not a fan of fly on the wall documentaries and there are two sides to that story by the way. So we’re looking at a short term deal with Jack and that will hopefully be done this morning. He should be involved on Sunday in the FA Cup.”
Rodwell’s agreement with United was processed in time for him to be eligible for selection against Fylde, who have reached the third round for the first time in their history.
“Jack has done great,” Wilder continued. “So we are in the process of offering Jack something.
“We’re in the situation where we have to work hard and be diligent with our signings.
“In the past, we have flagged people up and then someone has come in over the top of us.
“I’m not embarrassed about that. But of course, we’d love to improve our squad.”
After progressing through the youth system at Goodison Park, Rodwell made over 100 appearances on Merseyside before moving to City in 2012 for a fee of £12m. He joined Sunderland two years later but was eventually released. After spending last term with Blackburn Rovers, Rodwell, capped three times by his country, was then offered the chance to resurrect his career at Bramall Lane.
“Jack has been in for two or three weeks,” Wilder said. “All of the signings have my fingerprints on them.
“We have to make sure we are a club that doesn’t make many mistakes in the transfer market. I don’t believe we’ve made many. We have made some but not many.”