Sheffield United are now benefiting from Oliver Norwood’s inclusion.
Championship side Reading must regret the day they allowed Oliver Norwood to leave the club as his loan spell at Sheffield United is proving to be a catalyst for the Blades’ challenge for promotion.
The Northern Ireland international spent two years at the Madejski Stadium after moving there from Huddersfield Town, and he went on to feature in 81 Championship matches for the Royals.
But in a surprise twist in the summer of 2016, instead of signing a contract at Reading, the Berkshire club allowed him to move on to Brighton and Hove Albion where he achieved promotion in his debut campaign there.
Norwood then went on to join Fulham on a season-long loan deal last term, where he achieved another Championship promotion as the Cottagers triumphed at Wembley in the playoff final.
The 27-year-old knows the Championship better than most, and Sheffield United are the latest club to benefit from his presence as the midfielder has started his loan deal at Bramall Lane in spectacular fashion.
Norwood has one goal and three assists in six league appearances so far, ranking among the most productive players in the second tier and by far United’s standout performer with two Man of the Match awards.
The Blades weren’t far off a playoff spot last season, and Chris Wilder’s men will feel they now have what it takes to secure at least a top six spot this term as they sit fourth in the Championship table.
Reading, in contrast, are just two places above the drop zone in 20th and they must rue the day they sold Norwood on to Brighton considering the success he has enjoyed since.
Paul Clement’s men are lacking a midfield talisman capable of dominating in the middle of the park, whereas the Blades are gathering momentum after a sloppy start with Norwood’s arrival in mid-August coinciding with their upturn in form.
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