YORK-BORN Harry Sheppeard said he is "delighted" to sign for Championship side Sheffield United on a two-year deal.

The pacey 19-year-old full-back impressed this season after breaking into Evo-Stik League north side Tadcaster Albion's first team, making 18 appearances, scoring one goal and recording one assist.

A former pupil at Archbishop Holgate's CE School, Sheppeard studied the extended diploma in sport and has been an integral member of the York College/i2i Football Development Centre side, helping them to three national finals and winning one.

He now joins the ranks of former York College FDC and Taddy players who have made the leap into the English Football League alongside Doncaster Rovers' Alfie Beestin and Leeds United's Romario Vieira.

Sheppeard said: “I am delighted to have signed for Sheffield United and can’t wait to get started.

"I’d like to give a big thanks to everyone involved with York College/i2i because without their coaching I wouldn’t be in the position that I am in now.

"Over the last two years they have helped me develop massively as a player - it has been a great experience.

“The College lads are a top set of lads and it’s been great to share the two years with them.

“I knew I had to work hard and be patient for my chance and take it when it came around. Playing regularly in the second half of the season and holding down my position has been a challenge but has brought me on as a player.”

Head of the i2i Academy Michael Morton said: “We are delighted for Harry, he is a great lad with huge potential. "We have been immensely impressed by all at Sheffield United - their scouting system has been first-class.

"It is a perfect fit for Harry, he is joining a fantastic club and they will give him every chance to make it in the game.”