GEORGE MARIS AND DAVID GREGORY AGREE DEALS WITH U’S
Cambridge United have confirmed two further additions to their squad ahead of the 2016/17 Sky Bet League Two season, with the double signing of George Maris and David Gregory.
Exciting young midfielder Maris, 20, arrives at the U’s from Barnsley on a one year deal and gives Cambridge United Manager Shaun Derry further options in the middle of the pitch.
The forward started his career as an under 15 with the South Yorkshire side and signed his first professional contract in 2014 following a superb season for the Under 18’s, where he scored 20 goals.
Maris gathered plenty of match experience through loan spells with National League outfits Nuneaton and Guiseley in 2015, before returning to Oakwell to make his first team debut against Bradford City, replacing Luke Berry as a substitute.
Pleased to have linked up again with the U’s captain by joining Cambridge United, Maris said: “As soon as I heard about the interest, I was extremely keen to get the deal done. It’s clearly a club going in the right direction, and I’m very happy to be here.
“I was good friends with Luke Berry when he was at Barnsley, and I was sad to see him leave. But we’re back together again now which is great because he’s a good player and a great lad.
“I’m aiming to get as many games as I can for this football club and help them to progress further up the League. It is a big club for this level and is ambitious to push on not just this season but for a good few years.”
Meanwhile, goalkeeper David Gregory, 21, has also agreed terms on a one year contract with the U’s and will compete with Will Norris to claim the number one jersey next season.
The shot stopper was on the books at Crystal Palace since the age of nine, coming up through the London club’s academy, impressing at every age bracket and breaking into the Eagles Under 21’s side in 2014/15 making seven appearances.
Gregory spent the back end of the 2013/14 season out on loan at Sutton United and Bishop's Stortford, where he impressed. The keeper also enjoyed a loan period with League Two Leyton Orient last season, although he did not make an appearance for the O’s.
Delighted to now be with the U’s, Gregory commented: “I’m really excited and can’t wait to get my teeth into the new season with Cambridge United.
“I spent 11 seasons with Crystal Palace and came through their ranks, and have been out on loan to a few clubs but I’m pleased to have found my way here.
“I have worked with Shaun Derry before, given that he did a lot of his coaching badges through the youth teams at Palace, and he was a big part of me looking to sign for Cambridge United.
“This move gives me a good chance to push on and I know a lot of the team already from training with them a few times towards the end of last season.
“Will Norris is a very good goalkeeper and I look forward to pushing him for that number one position next season.”
Full video interviews for both signings are available right now at CU Player.