Keef Set To Stay

[Bladesman]

Blades ace Gillespie aims to cut a deal with Robbo

Friday, June 08, 2007

By Stuart McKinley

Keith Gillespie is hoping to hold contract talks with new Sheffield United manager Bryan Robson within the next few days.

The Northern Ireland winger has just returned from holiday and wants to sort his future out as quickly as possible.

Gillespie has enjoyed something of a renaissance since joining the Blades two years ago - particularly at the start of last season after the club's promotion to the Premiership.

The last six months, however, have been something of a rollercoaster for him.

In January Gillespie created history for all the wrong reasons when he was sent-off just seconds after coming on as a substitute against Reading.

Before play re-started the 32-year-old became involved in an off-the-ball incident with Stephen Hunt and was immediately dismissed, which led to a four-match suspension.

At that time he was awaiting a new contract offer from the club, but he grew frustrated with the wait and within a few days a transfer request had been handed in.

That prompted the club to make a formal offer which led to the transfer request being withdrawn, but nothing has been signed and a fresh offer was put on the table just after the season finished.

Since then Neil Warnock has gone, to be replaced by Bryan Robson and Gillespie is ready to speak to his former Manchester United team-mate.

"I have had two good years with the club, I want to stay with Sheffield United and now I need to sit down and speak to the club as soon as possible," said Gillespie.

"Hopefully that can be arranged within the next few days and we can take things from there.

"I know Bryan Robson from my time at Manchester United. I don't think we played together many times, but I would like to play under him.

"He knows the game inside out and I am looking forward to hearing what his plans and ideas are."

What division the Blades are playing in next season, however, remains to be seen.

They finished third from bottom of the Premiership and that should spell relegation to the Championship, but the club are appealing the decision to fine West Ham for irregularities over the signing and registration of Carlos Tevez and want the Hammers to be deducted points and relegated.

"I don't know what is going to happen with the appeal, but the club has gained a lot of support and I think they are confident of winning," said Gillespie.

Looks like the arrival of Robson has made keef want to stay.

 

[keenzy]

drinking???

 

[jodman]

If he puts in the kind of performances that we saw during the first half of the season then i will be happy to see him in the first team next season. If we get the dross served up before and after that point then i would hope that he is no more then a back-up player next year.

 

[Sharpy]

Not good news for me, he wasnt good enough last time in the championship and his performences the 2nd half of last season were awful. Ifill was a far better player than keef at championship level and we sold him.

 

[mightyblade88]

It does have to be said that Ifill was a decent player for us in the Championship (unfairy treated in my opinion) but as for Gillespie however I think we won't go wrong in keeping him at this level - for another season at least.

 

[Linz]

I think we won't go wrong in keeping him at this level - for another season at least.

... especially if he can teach Squinny and CKR to cross a ball like he does

 

[keenzy]

he can teach CKR how to stand up too!

 

[Robbie]

And how to go for players.

 

[Bladesman]

Robbo expects Gillespie stay
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 9 Jun 2007

Bryan Robson is confident Keith Gillespie will put pen-to-paper on a new deal at Sheffield United.

The Northern Ireland international is out of contract but was offered a new deal at the end of the season.

That was before Robson was appointed as manager but the former West Brom chief insists he wants to keep Gillespie.

And Robson, who played alongside Gillespie at Manchester United, claims the player has already given him his word that he will stay.

"I have spoken to Keith, whom I know very well, and he has made it known to me that he wants to stay," Robson told the Yorkshire Post.

"He had a good season last year and I am sure he can be an asset again next season."

Robbo pretty much confirming it.

 

[Foxy]

Bolton are apparently keeping tabs on his talks.

 

[Bladesman]

Dont know why Bolton are eyeing Keef they could easily sign someone better.

 

[7UpJordan]

Dont know why Bolton are eyeing Keef they could easily sign someone better.

True, but they seem to like signing old players a'la Gary Speed.

 

[matth]

According to the Mirror - which is, I know, like saying according to Aldridge Prior - he's set to snub Bolton to sign a new and improved deal with us. Yay!

 

[Bladesman]

He knows he is more likely to get 1st team footy with us i suppose.

 

[silverfox]

From todays Mirror.........

KEITH GILLESPIE will sign a two year deal on Monday to end the uncertainty over his future with Sheffield United.

The Northern Ireland winger's contract expired on Saturday, but he has agreed terms with Blades boss Bryan Robson despite slapping in a transfer request in January.

 

[Warnock=God]

Probably a good thing hes staying with CKR no longer around.

 

[Pedders]

good news that he's staying. great player for us

 

[Linz]

great player for us

In the Premiership yes... didn't have as much of an impact in the CCC.

Maybe a new manager can get him motivated enough to perform week-in, week-out.

 

[Bladesman]

I thought he played fine in the CCC.