Webber sold on Blades passion

Danny Webber revealed it was “passion and ambition” that lured him to Sheffield United on transfer deadline day.

The striker arrived at Bramall Lane from Watford on loan until the end of the season with Blades defender Danny Cullip going in the opposite direction after only three months with the Championship club.

Blades boss Neil Warnock had initially agreed to a straightforward swap but the shock exit of Hornets counterpart Ray Lewington had thrown the deal into doubt.

The Championship play-off contenders had wanted the move to be on a permanent basis but had to settle for the loan option as time began to run out, although there was further agreement over a possible permanent switch at the end of the season.

Webber, who has scored 12 goals in 24 starts this season, was thrilled with the transfer and, although he admitted he would have preferred a long-term switch, was mightily relieved the formalities had been finalised.

He told the club’s official website, www.sufc.co.uk: “I’ve been impressed with the passion and ambition of the place – I believe that and this is where I want to be.

“If it was up to me I would have signed permanently but the only way the deal could be done was on loan so I can live with that.

“At some points I thought the deal would be off, especially when Ray (Lewington) went earlier in the week.

“That was the day I came to meet Neil (Warnock) and I’m glad it has finally happened.

“Fortunately, I get the chance to meet the lads and have a bit of gelling time before we play again.”

The 23-year-old joined Watford from Manchester United, where he had learned the ropes as a trainee, in July 2003 and is a former England Under-20 international.

Cullip, who played only 15 games for the Blades after a £250,000 (€361,100) switch from Brighton, is not intimidated by the challenge at Watford.

Lewington paid the price after the Hornets managed just five league wins since mid-September following a promising start to the season.

They now hover precariously just four points above the relegation zone with just two points from a possible 21 since their surprise win at Ipswich last month.

Cullip, however, refused to be daunted and revealed his pleasure the deal had been resolved.

He told the club’s website, www.watfordfc.co.uk: “I’m pleased that the move has gone through given that it was set up a couple of weeks ago.

“Obviously when Ray Lewington left Watford I was worried that nothing would come of it, but now I’m delighted that the loan deal has happened.

“I’ve been playing regularly for the Blades and if selected I’ll be fit and raring to go at Burnley.

“It seems that for the past five years I’ve either been involved in a promotion or relegation battle each season, so there is nothing about Watford’s current situation that bothers me.

“I’m used to fighting for survival and my job is to make life difficult for opposing centre forwards.”