Cambridge United have signed striker Mark Beesley from Forest Green Rovers.

The 27-year-old joins for an undisclosed transfer fee and signed a contract to June 2010 this afternoon. The deal was completed in time for him to be eligible to play in this evening's match at home to Exeter City.

Described by Jimmy Quinn as a "clever footballer with quick feet", he began his career as a trainee with Preston North End before moving on to Chester City in 2000 and Hereford United in 2003.

He has been with Forest Green Rovers since the summer of 2004, and recovered from a knee injury that ruled him out of the first half of the 2005/06 season to re-establish himself in the team last season. He has scored 11 goals so far this season and also set up several for the Blue Square Premier's leading scorer Stuart Fleetwood.

When FGR ended United's unbeaten run in the 3-1 away defeat earlier this season, Beesley set up the second and third of Fleetwood's three goals.

"He's a striker who plays that link role very well, and he's set up the majority of Fleetwood's goals this season," added Quinn.

"He's a clever footballer with quick feet, good movement and he's a quality player with the right kind of experience."

Rovers boss Jim Harvey had thwarted several attempts from Jimmy Quinn to sign Beesley, but the deal was allowed to proceed when the player made it known that he wished to take up this opportunity at this stage of his career.

It has been agreed that Mark will not play for United against Forest Green in our remaining league fixture or in any potential play-off fixtures between the two clubs.

Mark has been allocated squad number 30. He becomes Cambridge United's fifth transfer window signing following Paul Carden and Lee McEvilly (both on loan to the end of the season from Accrington Stanley), Wayne Hatswell and Ben Farrell.

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