“With all due respect” – Ben Godfrey explains the failures of Sheffield United and Ipswich Town

Ben Godfrey has explained why his spells at both Sheffield United and Ipswich Town failed, as he wants to start again at Brøndby.

BOLD had an interview with the 28-year-old today. He’s looking to move away from the disastrous 2025 and the past few years in general.

The defender moved to Brøndby in the winter, joining Steve Cooper at the Danish club. He joined Atalanta on loan until the end of the season.

It has been a challenging few years for the defender following his move to Atalanta from Everton in 2024. He struggled to establish himself at the Serie A club, ultimately spending the second half of last season on loan at Ipswich Town.

Loan to Brøndby

Godfrey made only three appearances for Kieran McKenna’s side as they were relegated from the Premier League. The first half of the season was spent on loan with Sheffield United in the Championship.

But his time at Bramall Lane was cut short in December After making only four appearances for the Blades in all competitions. It has now been explained to him that matters off the field may have played a role.

“I was a little lost when it came time to play,” He said.

“It was a period when some personal things were probably a little different for me, and that happens sometimes in life.

“And then I think players in my position were guaranteed playing time for the remainder of the season. We had an open and honest conversation, and have full respect for Sheffield United for that. They made it clear that I would no longer be part of their plans for the remainder of the season.

“Obviously it was a difficult period in my career. But also on a broader level. It’s not always just about football. You never know what problems other people are going through.”

“There will always be ups and downs. The last few years, or 2025, may have been a period where I had to reflect, learn or where circumstances did not work out favorably for me.”

Contract at Atalanta until 2028

ben godfrey

There’s certainly no denying that the last few years have been difficult for Godfrey, even looking back at his time at Everton.

He appeared to be in a strong position with the Toffees following a €27.5m move from Norwich City in 2020 and particularly impressed playing under Carlo Ancelotti. That was until COVID struck and affected him significantly.

He then continued to open up about his struggles, even saying that at times it felt like he was playing ‘in someone else’s body’. It appears he is still struggling with this.

Anyone who watched him at Ipswich Town or Sheffield United will confirm this. The hope now is that he can find his feet at Brøndby and perhaps resolve his long-term future in the summer.

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