Sheffield United have given goalkeeper Marcus Dewhurst the green light to leave Bramall Lane after a long association with the club.
He’s made a move to National League side Wealdstone, where he made his debut this weekend in their 1-0 defeat to FC Halifax Town.
Dewhurst has come through the academy at Bramall Lane, spending time on loan with Carlisle United, Solihull Moors, Boston United, and Scunthorpe United. Whilst at Carlisle, he appeared twice but made a crucial penalty save in the first round of the FA Cup that set up a second-round tie with Doncaster Rovers. He was dropped for that game, and the Cumbrians lost 2-1.
The bulk of his senior football came in Lincolnshire. Firstly, he featured 32 times for Boston as they made the National League North play-off final in 2022. He then moved to North Lincolnshire and Scunthorpe United, where he started 23 times for the relegated Iron last time out.
He also has experience of playing for his country, representing England through multiple age groups, including the U17s, U18s, U19s, and the U20s
“I’m delighted; it’s a chance to get my career back on track and hopefully help the club get back to where they want to be at the end of the season,” he told the Stones’ official media team. “I’ve spoken to the manager, and he’s given me his visions for myself and the rest of the team.”
Whilst with the Blades, the young keeper learned from some other top stoppers, and he’s hoping to put that to good use as he makes his way in the National League.
“I learned a lot from there, keepers like Dean Henderson and Simon Moore. Even the ones that are there now, like Wes Foderingham and Adam Davies, have been a big help in my career as well as the goalkeeper coaches.”
The Stones, managed by Stuart Maynard, are currently 16th in the National League, four points clear of the bottom four.
Writer’s View
This is a super move for all concerned. He was never going to get into the Premier League strugglers’ first team, but by dropping into the National League, he secures the one thing all keepers need to stand out – game time.
He did incredibly well at the Jakemans Community Stadium for Boston United, and whilst Scunthorpe were relegated last season, he didn’t let himself down in any way.
Remember, goalkeepers age differently from other players, and an outfield player may feel at 22, dropping into the non-league scene would be detrimental; for a keeper, it can be a learning curve they need to go through.
With regular games, there’s plenty of time for Dewhurst to catch the eye and, who knows, maybe find a way back into the Football League.
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