EXCITING RIGHT BACK BRADLEY HALLIDAY SIGNS LONG-TERM DEAL WITH U’S
Cambridge United have today secured the permanent signing of exciting young right back Bradley Halliday on a long-term deal from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee.
The 21-year old began within Middlesbrough’s Academy and spent a spell with Newcastle United during his youth career, before returning to the Riverside Stadium to sign his first professional contract in August 2013.
Having shone for the North East club’s Under 21’s, Halliday moved out on loan to then League Two side York City in November 2014, where he played 24 times and picked up the Young Player of the Year award during his first experience of the Football League.
He added further League Two experience through a one month loan with Hartlepool United at the beginning of last year’s campaign, before switching to Accrington Stanley in October.
Brad went on to feature 32 times for John Coleman’s men as they achieved a top seven finish and he notably formed a fruitful partnership with current U’s winger Piero Mingoia during their time together at the Wham Stadium.
Commenting on his arrival at the Cambs Glass Stadium, Halliday said: “I’m delighted to be able to move to Cambridge United and I see this as a club where I can really start my career.
“It’s a great city and a beautiful location, so I’m really happy to have signed.
“I feel I’m a modern day full back who likes to get forward, works hard up and down the pitch, as well as enjoying defending. My aim is to help improve the team and developing my own game.
“I’ve managed to build up my experience with just under 70 games whilst on loan in League Two. I had a good season at York, and then followed it up with more games at Hartlepool.”
He continued: “I’m looking forward to teaming up with Piero [Mingoia] again because we got on very well while I was at Accrington. He is not only a great player on the pitch but he’s a close friend and has explained that this is a good club with a welcoming first team squad.
“It’s important to settle in quickly, because I want to be in the starting eleven. It’s down to me to put in the hard work to get myself in contention.”
Meanwhile, Cambridge United Manager Shaun Derry added: “Brad is a full back who has a lot of experience at this level and has been a target for us throughout the summer. As soon as we knew he was available the club has worked really hard to agree a fee with Middlesbrough and secure his signature.
“He has a fantastic background having been at Middlesbrough for a number of years and he likes to play on the front foot which certainly suits our approach.
“We feel that the relationship he has already forged with Piero at Accrington will pay dividends for us going forward.”