Boss Could Turn To The Horse

Last updated : 31 July 2006 By Kevin Markey
Blades boss Neil Warnock confirmed last week that he will listen to offers for Horsfield, who is seen as surplus to requirements following the signing of Rob Hulse.

Hulse's capture has more or less relegated the 'Horse' to sixth in the Blades pecking order behind Hulse, Ade Akinbiyi, Neil Shipperley, Steve Kabba and Danny Webber.

Much has been made of his Vinnie-Jonesesque background, but former hod-carrier and brickie Horsfield has scored goals in each of the lower divisions with Scarborough and Halifax and distinguished himself against Premiership opposition whilst at Birmingham, West Brom and Fulham.

The Barnsley-born striker started his career at Scarborough before moving to Halifax in April 1994. But his first stint with the Shaymen was less than successful and he was released after just one season.

He rejoined the club from Witton Albion in October 1996 and helped them avoid relegation to the Unibond League with a goal on the final day of the season.

The following season saw Town promoted with Horsfield scoring 30 goals in 40 league games, including hat-tricks against Yeovil, Telford and Hereford.

In October 1998 he moved to Fulham for £300k. Although never as prolific as during his non-league days, he still found the net regularly, scoring 22 goals in the league (with 9 in cup competitions) during his two seasons at the club.

He was bought by Trevor Francis during the summer of 2000 for Birmingham City, and helped them in their climb to the Premiership in season 2002-03 before moving to Wigan Athletic in September 2003 for a £1m.

He scored on his debut for Wigan, but never settled at the JJB and in December 2003, moved to West Bromwich Albion, also for £1m. Horsfield was a vital part of Albion's team as he scored seven times in the season which brought them Premiership football.

He signed for the Blades in May 2006 for a fee of £1.2m from the Baggies. He made just 3 appearances in 4 months on loan at Bramall Lane in the latter part of the 2005-06 season. He has recently been linked with Coventry, Preston, Sunderland and a return to West Brom.