It's been a wild couple of years for David McGoldrick. Having been released by Ipswich Town in the summer of 2018, he spent much of the summer failing to find a new club. He was eventually offered a one-week trial by Sheffield United, who signed him to a one-year deal soon after.
The striker went on to surpass all expectations that season, scoring 15 goals as the club secured promotion to the Premier League. He also established himself as first choice in the Ireland team.
While McGoldrick has found goals hard to come by in the Premier League this season, he remains an important part of the what Sheffield United do. He brings so much to the team, most of which doesn't show up on the stat sheet.
Today he put pen to paper on a new contract that will extend his stay at the club until at least the summer of 2022, a just reward for a player who is hitting his peak in his 30s.
Speaking to the club's official website, Blades manager Chris Wilder explained exactly what the striker brings to the group.
"He's such an important member of the group and there is a lot more football left in David. He's been outstanding since he's walked through the door"
The Gaffer gives his reaction to David McGoldrick's contract extension 📝 pic.twitter.com/d24S7W6RWP— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) June 13, 2020
I'm delighted for David. We've talked about it from a club perspective awarding players and Didzy has been brilliant. We still feel there's a lot more football in David and a lot more for him to give to this football club.
He's been outstanding ever since he walked through the door and he's enjoying his football...
He's such an important member of the group. He gives us something a little bit different in terms of our link-up play and the way we play.
Didzy know where we need to improve as a group as well and he's part of that. I'm really looking forward to working with him for the next couple of years...
It's still important that we keep that core group together and David has been part of that. Off the pitch he has been a tremendous influence on everybody and on the pitch his performances speak for themselves.
McGoldrick is set to play a big part as Sheffield United continue their unlikely top four push over the coming weeks.
A win over Aston Villa on Wednesday would move them into fifth place, which would be enough to secure Champions League football next season if Manchester City's ban is upheld. It would also being them to within two points of fourth-placed Chelsea.
Hopefully McGoldrick can add a few goals to cap off a strong campaign.
