The right-back signed a one-year loan with Sheffield United last night, returning to the Championship after enjoying a five-month loan spell with Charlton last season.

Halford endured a nightmare time on Wearside after being signed for £2.5million from Reading last summer and has quickly been farmed out again.

And the former Colchester United defender has been buoyed by his performances for the Addicks.

He said: "I enjoyed things at Charlton. I struggled to get games at Sunderland and then I went to London and played 14 consecutive games.

"It is nice to play and that is what I want to do – to show my potential.

"Promotion is the main aim. This is a massive club, great set-up and good players.

"I'm looking forward to a tough season but promotion is definitely on the cards. If we can hit the ground running and get a few early wins we will be up there."

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell, who also snapped up the experienced Sun Jihai from Manchester City, is delighted with his captures.

He said: "I've known about Greg for a long time. When we found out that we could get him I had no hesitation.

"He's a terrific athlete, gets up and down the pitch, is dangerous at set-plays and his long throws are a great weapon – they are all much-needed attributes.

"He did exceptionally well at Charlton last season and is desperate to play first-team football.

"I see him as a crowd pleaser. Fans at the Lane expect certain things, like endeavour and enthusiasm and he has that. He can defend – Charlton didn't concede too many towards the end of the season – and he is a threat in and around the opposition penalty area."

Halford is the first departure from the Stadium of Light this summer.

He made only nine appearances for the Black Cats last season – including the Carling Cup loss to Blackwell's Luton, in which he was sent off – before being shipped out on loan at the end of January after Sunderland signed Phil Bardsley from Manchester United.