Cambridge United are delighted to announce that Tom Finch, Greg Sandiford, Dan Barton and Brandon Njoku have penned first-year professional contracts...
All four players enjoyed a hugely successful two-year scholarship with the Club and have been rewarded with a one-year professional contract.
Each player was part of the U18s team which created Cambridge United history, by reaching the quarter finals of the FA Youth Cup last season.
Tom Finch
The 17-year-old goalkeeper has progressed through the U’s Academy where he began as an outfielder within the foundation phase before making the switch to between the sticks. A big character who provided the U18s with a strong base to build from, Finch experienced senior football for the first time last season featuring for St Neots Town on a number of occasions.
Greg Sandiford
An athletic right-back who is also versatile and has the ability to play a number of positions is another player who has progressed through our Academy. A reliable character, who is low maintenance and driven to succeed. Greg had a very positive second half of the season which included joining Bigglesewade Town, where he established himself in the team and playing good minutes which was excellent for his individual development.
Dan Barton
Cambourne based Dan spent the majority of the 2022/23 season out on work experience with St Neots Town along side having a big impact within the FA Youth Cup run. An exciting fast-paced winger who has the ability to make a big impact in games coming in from wide areas.
Brandon Njoku
Brandon joined the U’s after spending his U16 season with West Ham United. A powerful striker who contributed to some important goals across the two years of his scholarship. Another player who in his second year gained vital senior exposure.
Dom Knighton comments, "We are really pleased to be in a position to offer these four boys their first professional contract with the Football Club.
"They have all worked hard throughout their scholarship to get to this point and we are proud of the young men they are and how they have represented Cambridge United.
"To offer six young players - including Glenn McConnell and Kai Yearn - their first professional terms from one cohort shows the quality of this group of players and the potential we feel these individuals posess.
"The journeys of our young footballers are never linear however, and the success of their scholarships doesn’t guarantee success as professionals, so as these young men begin the next stage of their journey, it is paramount that they are fully prepared for the challenges that may lay ahead of them as they aim to progress at the Club."
On behalf of everyone associated with Cambridge United, congratulations boys!