Blades cut deal with Neil Shipperley

Neil Shipperley has completed his move to Sheffield United from Crystal Palace after signing a two-year deal.

The 30-year-old has joined the Blades on a free transfer after being told he was surplus to requirements at Selhurst Park.

United manager Neil Warnock had been hoping to announce the signing before he jetted off to China but the deal was held up due to formalities at the Palace end.

Warnock told the club’s official website: “Whilst this might not be a big-money signing I’m absolutely delighted because we have needed someone like Neil since the ‘Chief’ (Wayne Allison) left.

“He’s a player who can come on and change a game with his strength and experience, and we lacked that in some vital games last season.

“I like the fact that Neil wants to come here. There were six clubs in for him, he spoke to two, but he made it clear he wanted to join Sheffield United. In fact he said that if he wasn’t allowed to come here then he would go nowhere and stay at Palace.”