BRIGHTON DEFENDER TOM DALLISON ARRIVES ON SIX MONTH LOAN
Cambridge United have today signed Brighton & Hove Albion centre back Tom Dallison on a six-month loan deal.The 20-year old joins the U's from the Championship side to give United First Team Manager Shaun Derry additional defensive options.
The centre-back began his career within the youth teams at West Ham United and Arsenal, before attracting attention from the Seagulls and signing professionally in 2013.
Although yet to make his first team debut for Brighton, Dallison has strengthened his experiences with both Dartford and Braintree Town in the National League.
Most recently, the left-footed defender made his EFL debut last season whilst on loan with League Two rivals Crawley Town, during a 1-1 draw against Plymouth Argyle.
Pleased to be given an opportunity to add further experience to his resume at the Cambs Glass Stadium, Dallison said: "I'm very happy to be joining Cambridge United and getting some game time under my belt. I'm sure it will be another exciting experience.
"First and foremost I have come to Cambridge United to do my best for the club and to drive the team on, and the experience I will take is an added bonus.
"The players have helped me to settle in quickly and over the next couple days, weeks and months, I'm sure they will be a great bunch to be around on the training field.
"After meeting with the Manager (Shaun Derry) and he told me what the aims of the club were and what Cambridge United is all about; that was a big attraction.
"There are some very experienced players in the defence already, like Leon Legge, and they will be good people to be around during this loan. I'm sure I can learn plenty from them.
"The pre-season games give me a chance to get match fit and show everyone what I'm all about, so that hopefully by the time the season games around I can be in with a shout of making the team."
Manager Shaun Derry, excited by the signing, added: "Tom brings to us a genuine left-footed option at centre back, something that we were looking to add to our squad.
"With several clubs vying for his signature, we're pleased that both he and Brighton think that Cambridge United is the perfect place for him to develop during the next six months."
Dallison could make his opening appearance for the U's against Newmarket Town, and will feature in the two home fixtures against Ipswich Town on Saturday 23rd July and Aston Villa on Tuesday 26th July. Tickets for all of these matches are available to purchase online or by calling 0122 566 500.