Newton signs two-year contract
Cambridge United have today completed the signing of former Rotherham and Newcastle United player Conor Newton on a two-year contract.
Newton offers the U’s yet another attacking threat for the forthcoming 2015/16 Sky Bet League Two season, with creativity and a range of passing amongst the effervescent midfielder’s skill set.
Having been spotted at the age of nine-years old by hometown club Newcastle United, Conor was a member of the Magpie’s youth team, playing under Richard Money during the Cambridge United Manager’s time as an Academy Manager with the Toon.
Two loan spells at Scottish Premier League side St Mirren followed and led to the 23-year old’s professional debut, where he continued his development over 50 games at St Mirren Park.
Hitting the net six times for the Saints across two seasons, Newton’s first goal came in a 3-2 win over Hearts in the 2013 Scottish League Cup final, where he also picked up his first senior medal.
More recently Newton switched to South Yorkshire to join Steve Evans’ Millers at the beginning of the 2014/15 Football League season, with 13 Championship appearances adding to his already notable background.
Despite a number of clubs showing interest in the right sided midfielder this summer, Newton tells Cambridge-United.co.uk the lure of teaming up with Manager Richard Money once more as well as the attractions of the city were difficult to turn down.
“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity of playing for Cambridge United,” he said.
“Obviously I have past relationships with both the manager [Richard Money] and Ryan Donaldson from my time at Newcastle, which certainly played a part in my decision.
“Richard was my coach when I was an 18-year old boy in the youth team alongside Ryan, which means I know all about him and how he operates to get the most out of his players.
“For those reasons I certainly won’t be coming in here cold, he knows exactly what my attributes are and what I’m capable of, which can only be a good thing.
Newton added: “The city itself and the prospect of living here was also a major factor. It will be different for me but I am excited by that opportunity.
“Both Richard and Jez [George] have shown me the plans of what Cambridge United want to achieve with the stadium and the new training ground, which just show the high ambitions of the club.
“It is evident for all to see that the club are making real steps forward and that is a breath of fresh air, because it is important to have ambitions off the field which you can then re-enact on it.”
Meanwhile United boss Richard Money admits the completion of Newton’s signing has taken longer than expected, but feels the club’s extensive efforts to bring him to the Abbey Stadium are an indication of the talent the 23-year old adds to the squad.
Money said: “I believe this is another big summer signing for the club.
“We have been chasing Conor since the end of last season, so the transfer has taken a long time to get over line. Players of his quality often do take that time though, and we are delighted that we have been patient for long enough to make this happen.
“He is another versatile, this time right-sided player, who made several Championship appearances last season.”
He continued: “I know him from my time at Newcastle where he played in the same U21 team as Ryan Donaldson and if Conor can have the same impact here, and we believe he can, then the club have added another quality footballer to the group.
“Jez deserves a great deal of praise for securing this particular player and the board have continued to show their commitment to our team building process once again.”
The Amber Army’s first opportunity to see Conor in action is at tonight’s pre-season fixture against Norwich City at the Abbey Stadium. Alongside an exciting 120 minute match, the club will also be revealing the official 2015/16 away kit to those in attendance, making it a game not to be missed!
Click here to buy tickets now!