George Taft Joins United On Loan
Cambridge United have today finalised a six month loan deal for Burton Albion defender George Taft.
The 22-year old arrives at the Abbey Stadium to bolster United Manager Richard Money’s options across the back ahead of the 2015/16 Football League season, which begins next Saturday at home to Newport County.
The 6’5” left sided centre half or left-back, signed for the Brewers at the beginning of the 2014/15 campaign for then Burton manager Gary Rowett, and soon became an integral member of the defence at the Pirelli Stadium, featuring in 37 games last season.
Despite not making an appearance, Taft’s career began at hometown club Leicester City as an academy graduate, where his talents also attracted the eye of the international stage, leading to the youngster earning six caps across the U18 and U19 England age groups between 2010 and 2011.
Loan spells with Kettering Town, Swedish side Karlstad BK and York City enabled Taft to continue his progression through valuable game time, which saw him make his first three Football League appearances for the latter at Bootham Crescent in 2013.
As well as further developing his game on the pitch under the stewardship of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink for Burton last season, Taft also made strides forward off it winning the club’s player in the Community award, ensuring that the U’s have acquired the services of a well-rounded individual.
Pleased to have agreed a deal for the defender with the Brewers, Cambridge United Manager Richard Money commented: “George obviously enjoyed an excellent season last year with Burton Albion, playing a key role in a League Two winning side.
“We have brought him to the club as his versatility in being equally adept as a left back or left-sided central defender, which allows us to increase the already healthy competition for positions within the first team squad.”