from a dislocated kneecap, having made five appearances for Ipswich. During the 2003–04 season, he was signed on loan by Sheffield United covering for injured goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, and he spent three months at the club. He played a total of 16 games for the Blades, before joining Nottingham Forest on loan in March 2004 for the final two months of the season. Nottingham Forest In the summer of 2004, Gerrard signed permanently for Nottingham Forest. At the end of his first season the club was relegated to League One. Despite ending the 2004–05 season as first-choice goalkeeper and Player of the Year at Forest, Gerrard found himself as second choice goalkeeper behind new signing Rune Pedersen, having sustained a knee injury during a pre-season tour to Denmark. Although he handed in a transfer request, Gerrard returned to first team action at the end of August in a 3–1 win against Gillingham. Gerrard was again dropped from the first team when manager Gary Megson signed Russell Hoult on loan from West Bromwich Albion. However, Hoult was recalled by West Brom in October, and Gerrard once again became the preferred goalkeeper. On 15 February 2006, Gerrard limped off in a 3–0 defeat against former club Oldham Athletic, having sustained a knee injury that later required surgery. He played only one game under Ian McParland and Frank Barlow due to a knee injury. Gerrard was released from Forest at the end of the 2005–06 season, following the club's failure to secure promotion to the Championship. Sheffield United On 27 September 2006, he signed a four-month contract with the Blades to add depth to the goalkeeping department. The 33-year-old, who had a loan spell at Bramall Lane in 2003, was signed to provide cover for Paddy Kenny and Ian Bennett. On 1 January 2007, Gerrard made his Premiership debut for Sheffield United against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium. He made two further appearances for the Blades, but was released at the end of the 2006–07 season. On 6 August 2007, he was re-signed on a 12-month deal by new Sheffield United manager Bryan Robson for the upcoming Championship campaign. On 24 January 2008, he signed on loan for Blackpool until the end of the 2007–08 season. On 3 March it was revealed that Gerrard had undergone a knee operation which ended his season prematurely. He was subsequently released by the Blades when his