Having failed to agree a fee for the Southend midfielder in the summer of 2017, Sheffield United saw off intense interest from Millwall to land Ryan Leonard.

The midfielder moved to Bramall Lane, on January 9, 2018, signing a three-and-a-half year deal with the Blades after manager Chris Wilder was finally able to land his man after an eight-month pursuit.

The initial reaction by Sheffield United supporters suggested that this was a player who could fit right into Wilder’s side who were pushing for the Premier League ahead of his arrival.

Leonard made 13 appearances after his January arrival to Bramall Lane, with only six being from the start.

The Blades would eventually finish tenth, just six points off the play-offs in what could be described as a relatively successful start to life in Yorkshire for Leonard.

Unable to score, his performances were not eye-catching, and the initial fanfare to his signing wavered a little.

Despite not starting on a regular basis, which could have been a hindrance to his form, Leonard made three appearances for Wilder’s side this season in the Championship and once in the League Cup.

But that would be the end to his career at Bramall Lane.

Millwall had missed out on Leonard eight months before, but they finally got their man when they agreed a club-record deal for the midfielder.

Despite not being an integral part of the squad during his time with the Blades, his departure wasn’t received well.

Having signed Oliver Norwood on loan, Leonard’s future at United was in doubt and game time would have been rare.

The initial reaction wouldn’t be enough to see Leonard become a mainstay at Bramall Lane and Wilder took the change to offload the midfielder at the first attempt.

So the Blades fans’ reactions to the signing were never really justified before a premature end to life in south Yorkshire for the former Southend man.