Matt Doherty has officially joined Sheffield United and signed a one-year contract with the club.

Sheffield United have officially announced the signing of Irish international Matt Doherty. The experienced defender, with his extensive Premier League and international experience, will further strengthen the team's defense. The 33-year-old Doherty joined as a free agent, signing a one-year contract with an option to extend for another year.  

After leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, Matt Doherty officially ended his two stints at Molineux Stadium, during which he made nearly 400 appearances for the club. Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder had previously stated his desire to add more experienced players to the squad, and he believes that Matt Doherty's wealth of experience can serve as a role model for this young team.  

Speaking about the signing, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder said: "Without a doubt, we have signed a player who knows what success means. The fact that he has been able to get so many appearances at big clubs like Wolves, Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid speaks volumes about his ability and talent."  

“Whether on or off the pitch, Matt Doherty is a true role model of professionalism. He still maintains a strong desire to win and wants to continue to succeed, and he hopes to achieve that goal here. He will help the team set a higher standard and motivate his teammates to improve. Over the years, I have always emphasized that the team needs a ‘cultural leader,’ and Matt Doherty is exactly that kind of player.”  

After completing his transfer, Matt Doherty spoke about his reasons for choosing Sheffield United. He said that his conversation with manager Chris Wilder solidified his decision: "I had in-depth discussions with the manager and also visited the stadium. I've played at Bramall Lane many times in the past, so I know the atmosphere here very well. The manager's plans for the team and the club's future development have further convinced me that joining is the right choice."  

“I believe the manager has the ability to lead the team back to the Premier League, which is also the goal of the entire club. I have full confidence in him and in the development plan he has outlined for me. At the same time, I know he will fully trust his players. I have also spoken with several friends who have played here, and they all speak highly of the club. I also know that the atmosphere at Bramall Lane has always been very special.”  

Matt Doherty's connection with Wolverhampton Wanderers dates back to July 2010. At the time, still playing for Irish club Bohemians, he impressed in a pre-season friendly against Wolves, earning him a trial. Wolves subsequently signed him for approximately £75,000, signing the young defender to a two-year contract.  

In January 2011, Matt Doherty made his Wolverhampton Wanderers first-team debut in an FA Cup match against Doncaster Rovers. About eight months later, he made his Premier League debut against Liverpool. To gain more playing time and experience, Doherty was loaned to Scottish Premiership side Hibernian and English side Bury. After Dean Saunders took over Wolves in 2013, he gradually established himself as the team's starting right-back.  

Despite Wolverhampton Wanderers' relegation to League One, Matt Doherty remained committed to the team and helped them quickly return to the Championship under Kenny Jeckett. In the 2017/18 season, he made 45 league appearances, contributing consistently to Wolves' Championship title win and their return to the Premier League.  

After that, Matt Doherty continued to make significant breakthroughs for Wolves. On his 200th appearance for the club, he scored against Cardiff City, leaving a special memory in his career. His 302nd and final match during his first stint with Wolves was in the Europa League quarter-final against Sevilla.  

Tottenham Hotspur subsequently signed Matt Doherty for over £13 million. After three seasons with Tottenham, he briefly joined La Liga giants Atletico Madrid in 2023. Upon returning to England, Matt Doherty opted to rejoin Wolverhampton Wanderers, signing a three-year contract. During his second stint with Wolves, he made 87 appearances in all competitions, including 15 last season.  

Image source: Internet/Sheffield United official website