Sheffield United defender Joe Starbuck is one of the trialists with Gloucestershire club Cheltenham Town, as reported by Gloucestershire Live.
The Robins are beginning to strengthen ahead of the new season with key departures, which include names such as Charlie Raglan and wing-back Ryan Jackson, with more expected to depart, Alfie May being one of the developing transfer sagas in the EFL this summer.
The club finished 16th in League One last year, comfortably ahead of the relegation places in the third division and above expectations after losing manager Michael Duff to Barnsley.
Gloucestershire Live journalist Jon Palmer yesterday tweeted that there were two players currently on trial with the Robins, but only went on to name Hayden Lindley, the former Aston Villa midfielder was on trial with the club at the end of last season and now Starbuck has been named as the second player being trialled.
Starbuck is out of contract with Sheffield United at the end of this month and the wing-back appears to be on Wade Elliot’s shopping list with the club in need of wing-backs, following the departure of Ryan Jackson, who departed for Sutton United, as well as Ryan Broom, who has completed a move to Fleetwood Town. The only other option that the club has is Adulai Sambu, who has recently signed his first professional contract with the Robins.
The Robins have already dipped into the free agent market this week, as they have today confirmed the signing of Curtis Davies, who was released from Derby County at the end of last season after six years with the Rams.
The defender joined the Blades in 2021 but failed to break into the first team during that time after he joined from League Two side Grimsby Town. During his time at Bramall Lane, the 20-year-old was loaned out twice, joining Boston United and Kidderminster Harriers, making just 10 appearances between the two clubs over two seasons in the National League North.
During his time with Grimsby Town, Starbuck made nine senior appearances for the Mariners, which was enough to gain the interest of Sheffield United, who signed him in 2021.
Writer’s View
Starbuck has not had much of a chance to show his capabilities as a wing-back for his previous clubs. As a free agent, it would not be an expensive deal and this market may be something the Robins have to rely on, given their resources compared to the rest of League One. The club do not have many options at right wing-back, with Sambu only in his first year as a professional, he may not be starting regularly, but some appearances are certainly on the cards for the youngster and Starbuck can provide him some competition also to help develop him further.
