Ciaran Clark has spoken for the first time since being left out of the Newcastle United squad by Eddie Howe last January.
The Republic of Ireland defender spent last term training as a non-playing squad member and was also told to train with the second string on his return to the club in July. But the Magpies have agreed a deal with Sheffield United with Clark joining on a season long deal with a view to a permanent.
Clark said: "Just to be involved and around a squad is massive for me. I spent six months not involved last season. I was just training. It's not a great feeling to be honest but this is a new challenge and a fresh start and one I'm looking forward to."
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Sheff United will be going for promotion from the Championship last season after relegation in 2021. And Clark aims to be a big part of it.
Clark said: "I am just really excited to be involved again and looking forward to the season. I've had a couple of conversations with the manager, we talked about the style of play, me knowing a few of boys and the challenge that is in front of us.
"I'm looking forward to playing regularly, fitting into the style of play and formation, we know the Championship is tough but with a huge togetherness and a big effort by everyone, the squad has the quality to get out of the league. I saw how close the club went last season and the aim now is to get promoted."
Clark was a promotion hero on Tyneside in 2017 and is now looking to pass on that experience with the Blades.
Clark, speaking to SUTV, said: "You need a lot of effort and a good team spirit. You need togetherness.
"I have played here with Newcastle and it is a tough league to get out of and I think everyone knows that. The squad has got the quality and togetherness to do that."
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