American defender Frank Simek joined United on a two-year deal in the summer of 2010.

The St Louis born right-back was a keen sportsman at an early age, playing both baseball and football before being picked up by the Arsenal academy at the age of 12 after his family moved to the UK due to his father's job with the Anheuser-Busch brewery.

He was signed on a development contract by the Gunners, but eventually decided to return to the States where he played for the St Louis University High School side.

The North London side kept tabs on his progress and he was eventually signed up on a youth contract and during his time at Highbury he established himself as captain of the club's Reserve team. 

He made his only first-team appearance for Arsene Wenger's side in a League Cup tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with loan spells at Bournemouth and QPR providing him with his first taste of extended first team action.

After finding his path to first team football blocked by the likes of Lauren and Emmanuel Eboue, Simek was allowed to join Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer in the summer of 2005.

It didn't take long for Frank to make an impact at Hillsborough, with his all-action displays making him a firm fans favourite with the Owls faithful, helping the Yorkshire side to avoid relegation in his first season and a narrow but ultimately unsuccessful play-off push in his second campaign.

Simek caught the eye of scouts for the US national side and was called up to the full squad for the first time in March 2007 against Guatemala in Frisco, Texas. He was a part of the CONCACAF Gold Cup winning side of 2007, coming on as a substitute in the final against Mexico.

Several top Premier League clubs were now keeping tabs on Simek's progress but his chances of a big move were scuppered when an ankle injury picked up in December 2007 ruled him out for ten months.

After returning from injury he made a number of Reserve team appearances but found first team chances limited before his release by Wednesday in the summer of 2010.

United manager Greg Abbott moved quickly to secure Simek's signature ahead of the 2010 pre-season campaign and after a number of impressive performances in pre-season friendlies, looks set to be a big hit with Blues fans.

Under contract until the summer of 2012.

Frank is sponsored by the Maxey Family.

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