Lord of the Dance
Stevens signs for Stoke City
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Stevens signs for Stoke City

Enda Stevens, the Republic of Ireland defender, has finalised his transfer to Stoke City on a one-year contract following the expiration of his deal with Sheffield United.

The Dublin native made 192 appearances for the 'Blades' from the years 2017 to 2023. The 32-year-old twice helped the Blades win promotion to the Premier League during a six-year spell at Bramall Lane.

Stevens has also played for the likes of UCD, Shamrock Rovers, Aston Villa, Notts County (on loan), Doncaster Rovers (on loan), and Portsmouth during his career.

Speaking on Stoke City's website today, the Ireland fullback said, 'I am delighted to be here and really excited to work with the gaffer and the boys this week before heading out to Spain for the training camp,' he explained.

"It feels like the Club is at the start of an ambitious project, and I see another chance to be successful.

"Stoke City is a Club of strong stature and, if we can play in a similar way to the Alex Neil teams I've come up against in the past, I have a belief that we can be really competitive in the Championship this season."

Stevens will now join Alex Neil’s side ahead of Saturday’s pre-season match at Notts County before traveling to Spain with his new teammates for the Club’s training camp on the Costa Blanca.

Technical Director Ricky Martin added that the club was delighted to sign a player of Stevens' caliber ahead of the new Championship season.

"Enda is a really strong addition to the squad. He brings the mentality of a serial winner, especially within the Championship, and we see his character and experiences as beneficial to the culture within the dressing room," Martin added.

"He knows the standards required to succeed in the Championship and in recent seasons has shown his ability to perform in the Premier League and at the international level too, which is pedigree we need within the squad."

Stoke will play Rotherham on the opening day of the season. That game kicks off on August 5 at 3pm.