Cambridge United centre-back Josh Coulson has joined National League side Leyton Orient on a six month loan deal, after spending the second half of last season out of action through injury.
The 28-year old, who has recently celebrated his testimonial with the U’s as a result of ten years’ service to the Club, will switch to the Matchroom Stadium until January.
The defender has played over 260 times for United since making his debut against Halifax Town in 2007, as well as featuring prominently during the U’s conference Play-Off and FA Trophy winning season in 2013/14, before scoring the Club’s first goal back in the Football League against Plymouth Argyle.
However, Coulson featured just 12 times last season with a serious ankle injury sustained in the Sky Bet League Two fixture against Wycombe Wanderers, ending his campaign prematurely in November 2016.
Cambridge United Head of Football Operations Ben Strang commented: “This is a perfect opportunity for Josh to get game time over the next five months. All parties agreed that this was an ideal loan move for him after missing the last six months of last season due to his injury.
“Leyton Orient are a huge club and a different entity to the club which we saw last season. This agreement ticks all the boxes for everyone involved.”
Meanwhile, Coulson added: “Last season was a frustrating year having missed a lot of games due to the ankle injury which ruled me out for a long period of the season.
“I’m really happy with this loan as it gives me the chance to play a lot of game time at a very competitive level and work my way back to full match sharpness following such a long time on the sidelines.
“Having just settled into a new home in the area with a young family, this loan is also ideally located as I will be able to travel in each day without any problems.
“Leyton Orient are a big club with great facilities and a good fan base so I’m really looking to this challenge.”
Cambridge United have also agreed an initial one month loan with St Neots Town for young Cambridge United forward Matthew Foy.
The 18-year old signed his first professional contract with the U’s in November 2016, having joined at Under 9 level and progressed right through United’s Academy ranks with the Club.
Foy switches to St Neots to continue building his experience at first team men’s football, after making his senior debut for the U’s against Scunthorpe United in the Checkatrade Trophy last season.