Cambridge United have signed George Maris from Barnsley and David Gregory from Crystal Palace on free transfers as confirmed by the club website.
Maris, a 20-year-old forward, came through the Barnsley academy but never broke into the first team on a regular basis having only made four appearances in his time at the club. His first team experience came during several different loan spells at clubs such as Nuneaton Town, Guiseley and Lincoln City. He has signed a one year contract with the option of another.
After signing 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.”
Much like Maris, Gregory, a 21-year-old goalkeeper, never broke into the Crystal Palace first team after coming through their academy. His most notable loan spells were at non-league clubs Sutton United and Bishop’s Stortford but was able to have a spell at Cambridge’s League 2 rivals Leyton Orient at the end of last season though he never made an appearance for them. He has also signed a one year contract.
After signing, Gregory said: “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.”
