Lee McEvilly made a surprise return to sign for Cambridge United on a two-year deal today.

The striker spent the second half of last season on loan with the U's and made 15 starts and two substitute appearances, including his memorable late appearance at Burton in the Play-off Semi-final first leg when he came off the bench to level the scores with a superb free kick and a penalty to bring his goal tally to five.

Despite becoming a favourite with supporters during his loan spell and offering strength and know-how up front, former boss Jimmy Quinn decided not to sign McEvilly on a permanent deal at the end of the season when he was released on a free transfer by Accrington Stanley.

However Quinn left the club by mutual consent on Sunday and today McEvilly's free transfer to CUFC was completed, with director George Rolls stating "a player of his quality at this level doesn't stay available for long so we've made sure we snapped him up before anyone else does." [Full interview]

"I always wanted to stay so I'm delighted to be back," McEvilly told the club website.

"The fans took to me and I took to them straightaway. It's a big club that shouldn't be at the level it is and I was disappointed to get the phonecall to say I was released. But now it's all done and dusted and the paperwork is signed and I'm officially a Cambridge United player."

Looking ahead to pre-season training, which commences on 4th July, and the new season, he added, "I know I've got a lot of work ahead of me and hopefully the fans know I'll give 110% from day one to the end."

Lee travelled to the club with his wife to sign his contract and he will relocate from Liverpool with his young family.

"It's a big move for me coming down here with my family but it was a move I'd decided to make before the final at Wembley," he revealed. "I wanted to sign and the old Gaffer wanted me to sign, but he must have had a change of plan and decided to let me go, so I was a bit down about that.

"I've talked to a few clubs and everything's been up in the air so I'm glad it's all over and done with, and I'm looking forward to getting in to pre-season and playing for Cambridge United again."

Explaining why he chose the U's, the 26-year-old Scouser told cambridgeunited.com, "George (Rolls) has been straight with me and the fans have always been great with me, so as long as they get behind me again we'll be all right.

"I want this club to get back into the League and then let's take it from there."

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