New signing Rolandsen aiming for grandstand finish with Sheffield United

Ocean Rolandsen recently completed an ambitious move to Sheffield United and the young full-back is keen to help The Blades end the season with a bang as the club try to keep their slim promotion hopes alive.

The former Chelsea academy player previously enjoyed a successful 18-month spell at Watford but found the postponement of the FA Women’s National League difficult to endure.

In an exclusive press conference hosted by Next Gen Sports Solutions, Rolandsen praised Watford for the ‘unbelievable support’ that the club had given her.

She said “I was at the lowest point of my career when I first joined Watford. I was doubting whether I could actually make it as a professional footballer.

“It was mixed emotions leaving, I’m so thankful to Watford for giving me the opportunity to play my football without any pressure.”

Rolandsen settled comfortably into the Watford team and her performances were recognised when she received the Fans’ Player of the Year Award last season. The full-back caught the eye of Sheffield United head coach, Neil Redfearn, and the dual club registration arrangement was secured by mid-January.

“Because of the pandemic, I’d lost a year of my football career and being such a young player that’s something you can’t take for granted” said Rolandsen.

“It got to the point where I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to sign for Sheffield, it was an incredibly proud moment and I’m so grateful to be playing again.”

Since Rolandsen’s move, The Blades have restored momentum, boosting confidence with two consecutive wins against Coventry United and Lewes. Rolandsen applauded the quality and depth of the team, she said “The confidence within the squad at the moment is amazing.

“We all believe that we can get points out of fixtures and it shows by how we’re all playing both individually and as a team.”

Head coach Redfearn seems to be finding rhythm halfway through his first season with The Blades and has not been shy about vocalising his goal to take Sheffield United up to the Barclays FA Women’s Super League. When asked about how she has adjusted to Redfearn’s style of management, Rolandsen said “He’s a great manager. He knows what he wants from the squad and his philosophy is clear.

“I’ve developed my attacking style of play over the years and it fits into his style of play, the attacking players we’ve got at Sheffield are unbelievable.”

Sheffield United currently sit third in the FA Women’s Championship table with dominant clubs Leicester City and Durham sporting a seven-point gap in first and second position. Rolandsen recognises that it will be tough to close down the teams above.

She added “The goal is to get as high up as we can in the league and if the chance comes for promotion, we’re going to take that opportunity with both hands.”

Redfearn’s side travel to The Hive to face London Bees this Sunday in the hope of gaining another three points in the FA Women’s Championship.

 

Article author: Anna Minter