'It wasn't a no-brainer' - Joining Sheffield United was a considered choice for ex-Wolves star Matt Doherty
Ex-Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur defender Matt Doherty’s first words after joining Sheffield United
Sheffield United’s new signing Matt Doherty has conceded the decision to join the club was not a “no-brainer”.
When interviews are conducted with new arrivals at any club, the phrase ‘no-brainer’ is often among the first to be ticked off the cliché bingo card.
It suggests the choice to sign for the club was a simple one, when more often than not it was complex.
Doherty is delighted to be through the door at Bramall Lane, but joining the Blades was a considered choice made by the 34-year-old.
Matt Doherty on choice to join Sheffield United
“It wasn't a no-brainer,” Doherty told Sheffield United’s media team. “You always have to weigh up your options, especially when you're a free agent.
“In the end, he (manager Chris Wilder) convinced me and I'm here now, so I'm happy to be here. I spoke to the manager a couple of weeks ago, went and met him, went round the stadium, had a look at the stadium. I’ve played there many times before, so I know what it's like, I know how the atmosphere can be.
“He just convinced me with his vision of how he sees the team being this year and his vision of the club.
“I'm backing the manager to get the club back into the Premier League, I guess that's the goal for everybody at the end of the day. I know Chris, what his team has been like over the years. I believe in him. I believe in what he's saying to me, how he believes in his players and the club.”
Back in the Championship
Doherty saw his second spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers come to an end last month, in the aftermath of a heartbreaking relegation from the Premier League.
The right-back, like his former employers, is now back in the Championship for the first time in eight years. He has penned a one-year deal in South Yorkshire, with his contract containing a 12-month extension option.
“The Championship is so difficult, as everybody knows,” he said. “For me, it's like a momentum league.
“You get momentum at the right time. Look at Hull last year, I don't think a lot of people would have expected them to go on a run or even get into the play-offs.”
Bramall Lane atmosphere
Sheffield United may not have parachute payments to lean on, but do have a fanbase Doherty has seen the power of up close over the years.
“The atmosphere [at Bramall Lane] is incredible,” he said. “It's always a difficult place to play.
“I've never actually enjoyed playing here, just because of how now the crowd feels on top of you, it gets loud. I don't know if the record is great here, but I just remember it's always been a really tough game.
“I've had friends like Enda Stevens, Johnny Egan and Conor Coady, everybody who's been here, obviously telling me how good a place it is to play. I know that already, I've played here many times with the place full and the crowd going.”