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SHEFFIELD UNITED: Striker Danny plans for life after the Blades
AFTER joining the club back in April 2005, free agent Danny Webber is no longer a Blade.
The popular striker is now pondering pastures new – with a departure for sunnier climes possibly on the agenda.
A firm crowd favourite since his arrival at Bramall Lane from Watford four years ago, Webber made over 100 appearances for the Bramall Lane outfit but was largely frozen out for the 2008-09 run in.
The forward didn't figure in manager Kevin Blackwell's first team plans and he was subsequently released as part of the club's summer shake-up when his contract expired.
It was not the glorious exit that 27-year-old Webber, a popular figure with the red and white faithful since joining from Vicarage Road, had hoped for.
However, the former Manchester United trainee is now excited about furthering his career, with various offers – including foreign ones – now on the table.
"Obviously, you can look back at the highs and lows. The highs of getting promoted and the low of getting relegated, especially the way we did," Webber told Yorkshire Sport.
"But I'm not going to dwell on the past. I've got to look to the future and make sure that I'm scoring goals and enjoying my football again.
"That hasn't happened the last two years.
"Sometimes you have got to move on and challenge yourself and I am looking forward to doing that.
"It's good, actually, and it's a breath of fresh air.
"To be honest I've had quite a few offers – from here and abroad – and at the moment I am just speaking to people.
"I am going to make a decision on my future when I think it's right.
"I'm not sure if it's right for me to go abroad just yet.
"If I go abroad I would like to bow out playing a good standard of football and playing good football, if you see what I mean.
"Playing as I played last season I didn't enjoy my football and the tactics were a bit different shall I say.
"I just want to get back to enjoying my football.
"I've had offers from different nations – Spain, Greece, Turkey, Australia.
Just different offers from people who are interested really."
Webber made just two Blades appearances off the bench throughout April and May as his time at Bramall Lane came to a close.
Indeed, the last of those two outings – at Crystal Palace on the final day of the regular campaign – came in the 89th minute.
And Webber admits the widespread interest in his signature has served as a huge boost for his confidence after a season out of favour.
"Of course it's a boost and I'll be the first to admit that my football hasn't been as good as I know it can be, for one reason or another," he said.
"At the end of the day that isn't to say I don't work hard every day and I don't hide from the fact that you get out what you put in.
"I have worked hard and I will work hard wherever I go.
"Hopefully, all being well, I can enjoy my football again."
Webber also says his isolation from the Blades senior ranks made failure to win promotion this term somewhat easier to comprehend.
"It's always tough missing out, definitely, it's disappointing," said the 5ft 9in marksman
"Myself, I didn't play the last however many games of the season so, because you're not taking part, you don't feel part of it to a certain extent.
"But that's down to the gaffer. He chose the tactics, he has his mind made up and that's it really."
Webber's Bramall Lane career may ultimately have ended on a low note but the striker had some fine moments in a Blades shirt, making an instant impression when scoring after just 57 seconds of his full debut at Leeds in April 2005.
Manchester-born Webber then scored twice more on his home debut against Queens Park Rangers.
Various injuries somewhat halted Webber's progress in South Yorkshire but through it all the targetman was delighted with the backing he received from a set of supporters he will always have time for.
"The fans are absolutely top drawer," Webber beamed. "The club is a brilliant club and the lads there – the players that I was playing with – were absolutely top drawer.
"I had four seasons there, I had some good times, and I wish them all the best. Hopefully, next year they will do a little bit better."
Webber's whereabouts next term remains to be seen with moves to Europe or even Australia possibly on the agenda.
However, the front man hinted he may yet sign for another Championship club when asked if he could yet come face to face with the Blades next season.
Not that he'll be doing them any favours.
"There's a chance," finished Webber. "Again, it would be like playing Watford – you giveyour all for where you are at the time.
"There is no sentiment when you cross the white line. You go out, you play and you play your best."
Just different offers from people who are interested really.”
Webber made just two Blades appearances off the bench throughout April and May as his time at Bramall Lane came to a close.
Indeed, the last of those two outings – at Crystal Palace on the final day of the regular campaign – came in the 89th minute.
And Webber admits the widespread interest in his signature has served as a huge boost for his confidence after a season out of favour.
“Of course it’s a boost and I’ll be the first to admit that my football hasn’t been as good as I know it can be, for one reason or another,” he said.
“At the end of the day that isn’t to say I don’t work hard every day and I don’t hide from the fact that you get out what you put in.
“I have worked hard and I will work hard wherever I go.
“Hopefully, all being well, I can enjoy my football again.”
Webber also says his isolation from the Blades senior ranks made failure to win promotion this term somewhat easier to comprehend.
“It’s always tough missing out, definitely, it’s disappointing,” said the 5ft 9in marksman
“Myself, I didn’t play the last however many games of the season so, because you’re not taking part, you don’t feel part of it to a certain extent.
“But that’s down to the gaffer. He chose the tactics, he has his mind made up and that’s it really.”
Webber’s Bramall Lane career may ultimately have ended on a low note but the striker had some fine moments in a Blades shirt, making an instant impression when scoring after just 57 seconds of his full debut at Leeds in April 2005.
Manchester-born Webber then scored twice more on his home debut against Queens Park Rangers.
Indication
Various injuries somewhat halted Webber’s progress in South Yorkshire but through it all the targetman was delighted with the backing he received from a set of supporters he will always have time for.
“The fans are absolutely top drawer,” Webber beamed. “The club is a brilliant club and the lads there – the players that I was playing with – were absolutely top drawer.
“I had four seasons there, I had some good times, and I wish them all the best. Hopefully, next year they will do a little bit better.”
Webber’s whereabouts next term remains to be seen with moves to Europe or even Australia possibly on the agenda.
However, the front man hinted he may yet sign for another Championship club when asked if he could yet come face to face with the Blades next season.
Not that he’ll be doing them any favours.
“There’s a chance,” finished Webber. “Again, it would be like playing Watford – you giveyour all for where you are at the time.
“There is no sentiment when you cross the white line. You go out, you play and you play your best.”
lee.sobot@ypn.co.uk
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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