Sheffield United's promotion to the Premier League in the summer signalled the end of the road at Bramall Lane for a number of players. Four senior names were released at the expiry of their contracts, their loanees returned to their parent clubs (for the time being) and a host of other younger starlets took the next steps in their fledgling careers.
Amongst those who moved on are some now facing relegation battles and another playing for his boyhood club in Europe, while one was forced into a tragic retirement after a bad injury. From bonafide club legends to lesser-known youngsters, we had a look at the next steps for 23 players after leaving the Lane in the summer...
![The defender spent the season on loan at Bramall Lane from Newcastle but injuries, and Jack Robinson's form, denied him the chance to nail down a regular place. Was released by Newcastle in the summer before linking up with Stevens at Stoke](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/11/16/15/20/SPI_145_SB_Sheff_Utd_Cardiff.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
21. Ciaran Clark
The defender spent the season on loan at Bramall Lane from Newcastle but injuries, and Jack Robinson's form, denied him the chance to nail down a regular place. Was released by Newcastle in the summer before linking up with Stevens at Stoke | Sportimage
![A player who ‘technically’ left the Lane in the summer before returning on deadline day in another loan spell from Manchester City. A real fans’ favourite, expect to hear his catchy terrace song lots more this season](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/11/16/15/31/SPI_099_SB_Birmingham_SheffUtd.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
22. James McAtee
A player who ‘technically’ left the Lane in the summer before returning on deadline day in another loan spell from Manchester City. A real fans’ favourite, expect to hear his catchy terrace song lots more this season | Sportimage
![A former Blades development goalkeeper, Hampshaw remained local after being released and signed for Stocksbridge Park Steels after a successful trial period](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/11/16/15/46/SPI_084_SB_U18_Sheff_Utd_Sheff_Wed.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
23. Henry Hampshaw
A former Blades development goalkeeper, Hampshaw remained local after being released and signed for Stocksbridge Park Steels after a successful trial period | Sportimage