LIAM O'NEIL RETURNS TO CAMBRIDGE UNITED ON THREE-AND-A-HALF YEAR CONTRACT
Cambridge United have today completed the Deadline Day signing of Chesterfield Town midfielder Liam O'Neil for an undisclosed fee, who switches to the Cambs Glass Stadium on a contract until June 2020.
O'Neil, who was born in Cambridge and attended Swavesey Village College, is a former player of Cambridge United's Centre of Excellence and departed in 2005 upon the closure of the Club's youth scheme. He later continued his development as a youngster signing for West Bromwich Albion's Academy, before penning his first professional contract with the Baggies in 2012.
He played five times for the Premier League Club, whilst also adding 21 appearances in Sky Bet League One during a loan spell with Scunthorpe United, before leaving the Hawthorns for Chesterfield ahead of the 2015/16 season.
O'Neil played nearly 50 times for the Spireites during the past 18 months, and the 23-year old now returns to the U's, becoming an important addition for Cambridge United Manager Shaun Derry in central midfield.
Pleased to be welcoming Liam to the Club, U's Boss Shaun Derry added: "Liam will add great value both on the football pitch with the quality he brings when in and out of possession, but also away from the pitch with what he brings to the community.
“He is a Cambridge boy returning home and is a fantastic fit for us.
“We’re also delighted to have brought Liam in as a permanent signing, our third of the current transfer window, which is testament to the long-term vision of the Club.”
Ben Strang, Cambridge United Head of Football Operations, concluded: "This concludes a productive window for us and we are thrilled to capture Liam’s signature. Our aim ahead of each window is to enhance the squad and to come out stronger than we enter.
“We believe that we have been successful in achieving this within the window. Liam fits the profile of the squad that we continue to assemble and having played almost all of his senior football in League One provides quality and further strength in the group.”