Rangers handed Sheffield United a Bramall Lane hero who won't be forgotten: View | OneFootball

Wes Foderingham, who was initially a backup option, became a real hero at Bramall Lane following his move from Rangers.

Highlights

Wes Foderingham was one of two goalkeepers to arrive at Sheffield United in the summer of 2020.

Despite Dean Henderson's successful loan spell at Bramall Lane during the 2019/20 campaign, with his contributions helping the Blades to register a top-half finish, the South Yorkshire side were unable to secure a return for the shot-stopper.

But they did manage to secure a reunion with Aaron Ramsdale, who was recruited from AFC Bournemouth for £18.5m following the Cherries' relegation.

He looked set to be one of the first names on the teamsheet at Bramall Lane during the 2020/21 season, consigning fellow new addition Wes Foderingham to a place on the bench.

Foderingham, who joined on a three-year contract after his contract at Scottish Premiership side Rangers expired, could have no complaints about being kept on the sidelines by Ramsdale during 2020/21.

They may have been relegated and finished rock bottom at the end of that campaign, but Ramsdale performed very well and it was no surprise when he earned a big move, with Arsenal swooping to sign him in August 2021.

Slavisa Jokanovic was now the manager, having been appointed in the off-season, with the Serbian being appointed to take the Blades back to the Premier League.

With Ramsdale leaving and United enduring a frustrating summer window, it looked as though Foderingham would get a sufficient chance to prove his worth during the 2021/22 season.

Michael Verrips may have played against West Bromwich Albion after Ramsdale left, but Foderingham managed to get three league games under his belt during the early stages of the campaign before Robin Olsen arrived.

Olsen looked set to be the Blades' starting keeper throughout the 2021/22 campaign following his loan move from AS Roma.

However, the Swedish stopper didn't endure the best start to life at Bramall Lane, seeing his team struggle and putting in some shaky performances between the sticks.

Making just 11 appearances for the club, Olsen kept just one clean sheet and was dropped after United's 3-1 loss against Blackburn Rovers.

Jokanovic made that decision to bring Foderingham in for Olsen, but the former only played two more games under the Serbian before Paul Heckingbottom was appointed.

Heckingbottom's appointment proved to be a game-changer for the Blades, who managed to turn things around under him and get to the play-off semis in 2022 before winning promotion back to the top flight in 2023.

Foderingham played a big part in that, with the ex-Rangers man starting regularly during Heckingbottom's time at the helm.

The keeper's effect on the team was obvious, with the 33-year-old proving to be a capable and reliable stopper.

Without him, United would have looked more shaky at the back, but his contributions made a real difference.

Once nicknamed "League One Wes" by his old manager Paolo Di Canio at Swindon Town, Foderingham had defied any critics to reach the top level, with the stability his presence between the sticks brought helping the Blades to get there.

He didn't enjoy much success last term, starting regularly but being unable to keep United at the top level, but he will still be remembered fondly following his move to West Ham United.

Sheffield United fans will be grateful for Wes Foderingham's contributions

Foderingham was key to the Blades' promotion and for that alone, fans will be grateful for his contributions.

Initially starting life at Bramall Lane as a backup goalkeeper, he was a real saviour for United when they needed him, with the stopper stepping up and performing well straight away during the 2021/22 campaign.

He was particularly important because United were reported to be in a delicate financial situation during the 2022/23 campaign - and his team's promotion probably helped to ease those issues.