'Disappointed' - Sheffield United defender announces Bramall Lane exit ahead of summer rebuild
Ben Mee will leave Sheffield United when his contract expires at the end of June, bringing an end to his short spell in S2.
Sheffield United centre-back Ben Mee has announced he will be leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of next month, admitting he is “disappointed” not to have earned more opportunities.
The experienced defender, 36, joined the Blades on a one-year deal last September after spending time training with the club. The Blades included an option to extend his stay in S2 by a further year, but that clause has not been exercised, meaning he will become a free agent.
After quickly establishing himself as a regular fixture in United’s rearguard in the first half of the campaign, bringing experience and leadership to the table, opportunities dried up for Mee following Christmas, making just four appearances in league and cup. He was last named in a matchday squad when United drew 1-1 with Millwall at The Den on January 31, making the bench.
Admitting he is frustrated not to have earned more game time, he has announced his impending departure from Bramall Lane, wishing the club well for next season and beyond.
Posting on Instagram, Mee said: “It’s not been the season any of us wanted, but I’m grateful to have had the pleasure of playing for this great club in front of an incredible fan base and meeting all the brilliant people who make the club tick, players and staff alike.
“As I move onto the next chapter I will look back fondly on a number of moments over the course of my time with the club.
“Of course I would have loved to help the team out more in the second half of the season and [I’m] disappointed I wasn’t given the opportunity to do so, but that’s football.
“I wish everyone involved with the club the best for next season and beyond.
“Thanks,
“Ben.”
Mee, who was drafted in by former Blades boss Rubén Sellés, made 16 appearances in total for the Blades, 15 of which were starts. His last appearance for the Blades saw him help Chris Wilder’s side beat Ipswich Town 3-1 at Bramall Lane on January 24.