Blades agree deal to sign Speed Speed will link up with Bryan Robson at Bramall Lane Sheffield United have agreed a deal to sign Gary Speed from Bolton on 1 January, BBC Radio Sheffield reports.
The 38-year-old will join the Blades on a short-term loan before signing permanently for a fee around £250,000.
The former Wales captain is expected to make his debut against Wolves at Molineux on New Year's Day.
Blades' chairman Terry Robinson said Speed will sign an 18-month playing contract with an option for a further 12 months as a coach.
Robinson said: "He has a wealth of experience and will drive on the rest of our midfield.
"He feels Sheffield United can be a major driving force in English football and we hope he'll help bring some success back to the club "
Boss Bryan Robson said: "I tried to get Gary before the season started but Bolton wouldn't release him.
"Since then I spoke to Sammy Lee before deadline day and then Gary Megson but got the same answer so it has been an ongoing thing."
(...)
"While we don't want to lose someone of his undoubted talent and ability it is a good move for him and I am sure he'll do well at Sheffield"
Bolton manager Gary Megson Bolton manager Gary Megson said that Speed was leaving with their blessing.
"Gary wants games and at his age it's important for him to play," he said.
"While we don't want to lose someone of his undoubted talent and ability it is a good move for him and I am sure he'll do well at Sheffield.
"He's a model professional and has been absolutely 100% since I came here and we wish him well."
BBC--
LONDON (AP) - Midfielder Gary Speed will move from Bolton to Sheffield United in the January transfer window.
The 38-year-old Speed will move on a loan deal to the League Championship club from Jan. 1 with a view to a permanent contract.
"I tried to get Gary before the season started, but Bolton wouldn't release him,'' Sheffield United manager Bryan Robson said Monday.
Speed has only played six times under Bolton manager Gary Megson, who took charge on Oct. 25 after Sammy Lee was fired. Speed briefly held a player-coaching role under Lee, but stepped down to concentrate on his playing career.
Speed was not in the Bolton team that beat Birmingham 3-0 in the Premier League on Saturday.
Robson said he had long been an admirer of Speed.
"He's a very experienced player, a youthful late-30s type whose knowledge will be invaluable to us,'' said Robson, who said Speed would be in the squad for the match against Wolverhampton on Jan. 1.
Speed holds the record of playing the most number of Premier League matches, with 521 games.
AP