19-3-10: Sheffield United have signed Steve Simonsen on a month-long loan deal from Stoke City. 2-7-10: Sheffield United have sealed the capture of former Stoke keeper Steve Simonsen on a two-year deal. The 31-year-old shot-stopper returns to Bramall Lane following a successful seven-game loan stint at the back end of last season. He had a clause in his Stoke contract which allowed him to depart on a free transfer if he was offered a chance of a move by another club and he ended a six-year stay at the Britannia Stadium on Thursday. Blades boss Kevin Blackwell is delighted to have captured Simonsen as his No.1 after previous incumbent Paddy Kenny's unexpected exit to QPR.