Sheffield United release former Carlisle United man

Sheffield United have confirmed that Oliver Norwood is set to depart Bramall Lane this summer.

The Northern Ireland international is being released at the end of the 2023/24 campaign which saw the Blades go down in bottom position.

Norwood, 33, has been with Sheffield United since 2019 and has made 228 appearances for the club.

He has been involved in promotions with the Steel City club and his departure, along with other senior players, has been announced ahead of the last weekend of the campaign.

Norwood, who played for Carlisle when on loan from Manchester United in the 2010/11 season, is leaving Sheff Utd along with Chris Basham, George Baldock, Wes Foderingham and Max Lowe.

Norwood, right, is set to leave Sheffield United after five years (Image: PA)

"They share a total of nine promotions in their Blades careers and the club see fit to release this news ahead of the end of the campaign to enable them to receive acclaim from Unitedites for their contributions," a club statement said.

"With the visit of Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday being United's final fixture of the campaign, special acknowledgements will be paid to the five, with further tributes across the club's digital platforms.

"The five players will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for the contribution they have made to Sheffield United Football Club."

Norwood made his Football League debut for Carlisle after joining on a temporary deal during Greg Abbott's reign in 2010.

His first outing at first-team level came in a 0-0 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion at Brunton Park on September 18, 2010.

That was one of six appearances for the Cumbrians before he returned to Old Trafford after a two-month spell.

He went on to enjoy loan moves at Scunthorpe United and Coventry City, then moving permanently to Huddersfield Town.

Norwood also played for Reading and Brighton and, after loans with Fulham and Sheffield United, joined the Blades permanently.