Football News: Italian Extends Blades Contract

Image from: pressandjournal.co.uk

With the much hyped Diego De Girolamo signing a new contract, after looking to be on his way out of Bramall Lane while Nigel Clough was in charge, is this the season for him to break into the first team? Certainly the signs are good, he was not with Sheffield United U21s as they beat Penistone (stop sniggering!) Church FC 1-0 in their first game of pre-season.

Still just 19 years old, De Girolamo has been tipped for the top for a long time now, but never quite been able to break into the first team on a consistent basis. The new two year, with an option for a third year, contract gives him the chance to ease his way into the full side.

Last season loans to York City and Northampton Town looked to spell the end of his Blades' career, but the sacking of Clough has changed that. New boss Nigel Adkins is keen to give the teenager every chance of making a first team place his, putting him into the first team squad for the pre-season.

"I have begun pre-season with first-team squad and like everyone else I am determined to impress the new Gaffer and his staff. It has been tough but I am feeling fit, strong and raring to go.

"I am keen to prove myself and hopefully if I do that it will lead to a number of first-team opportunities in the months ahead, that's my aim and I am going to work extremely hard to make it happen," he said.

"It would be fair to say last season didn't go to plan for me personally, but having thought at length about the situation and having discussed it with my representatives and family over the summer, we all came to the conclusion that my future remains with Sheffield United for at least the next two years and hopefully beyond."

De Girolamo has so far been capped by Italy at U18, U19 and U20 level and has been with Sheff Utd's academy since the age of 7.

Written by Tris Burke July 13 2015 19:24:08