Blades snap up Blackman as preparations for Championship return continue apace

(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)

By Robert Haggis

Sheffield United's preparations for life back in the have continued apace, having signed Chelsea goalkeeper Jamal Blackman on a season-long loan.

The 23-year-old spent last season on loan at side , making 52 appearances in all competitions. Blackman, who stands at 6ft 6ins, has penned a season-long deal at Bramall Lane and could make his debut at Eastleigh tonight (Friday 28th July).

On the arrival of Blackman, from the Premier League champions, boss Chris commented: “Jamal has been our number one target right the way through the summer. He provides genuine competition in an important area of the pitch.”

Following George Long's departure to AFC , Wilder was looking for a goalkeeper to provide competition to former Brentford stopper Simon Moore and youngster Jake Eastwood. However, with Moore injured in a pre-season friendly against last weekend, Wilder's hand was forced, and he had to move more quickly than anticipated.

Blackman joins a whole host of new signings for the Yorkshire club, as they prepare for their first season back in the Championship since the 2010/11 season. John Lundstram signed earlier in the week from United for an undisclosed fee, whilst experienced Championship defender Richard Stearman has signed from . New contracts for important players Billy Sharp, Paul Coutts, Chris Basham and Kieron Freeman have also been secured during the off-season, ensuring that the side which won the title last term has largely stayed in tact.

Despite having never made a senior appearance for Chelsea, Blackman was rewarded with a new contract at Stamford Bridge, which runs until 2020/21. He joins a number of Chelsea loanees at Championship clubs, including Michael Hector at Hull and Tomas Kalas at Fulham.

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