Goalkeeper Will Norris signs two-year contract extension
Cambridge United have secured the services of Will Norris for a further two years, with the goalkeeper now moving out to Braintree Town on a season loan.
The new deal that sees Norris extend his stay at the Abbey Stadium until at least the end of the 2017/18 season, indicates the U’s belief in the shot stopper’s potential to become the future number one at Cambridge United.
Will signed for the club at the age of 18 in July 2012 from Royston Town, where he returned immediately for a loan spell to continue his development as an exciting teenager.
He made his debut for United against Tamworth in the Conference Premier promotion season at the beginning of 2014, registering a clean sheet for Richard Money’s side in a 1-0 victory.
Since then Norris has appeared in goal for the U’s 17 times, featuring in United’s journey back to the Football League in the 2013/14 campaign, as well as playing an important role in the semi-finals and final of the FA Trophy triumph at Wembley in the same season.
In order to continue his progression, the 21-year old will switch to National League outfit Braintree Town until the end of the forthcoming season to allow for increased first team opportunities.
Will commented: “Cambridge United is a great club and I have settled in brilliantly during my three years here.
“I am really pleased to see how committed the club have been towards my future, and it is always a good thing to see that the faith they have in me has been rewarded with an extended contract.
“I’ve seen the journey right from the start, with the club struggling in the conference to growing and establishing itself in the Football League. I’m extremely proud to have played a little part in that journey and I want to be here for the next few chapters of the club’s history.”
He continued: “This is a club that has big plans and it’s exciting to be involved in that.”
“It is all about experience in the goalkeeper position; Chris (Dunn) is a good example of that, so it will be good to go out to Braintree and be given the chance to get some games under my belt.
“It’s going to be a good season and I’m really excited about it.”
Delighted to have fortified Norris’ future with the U’s, Cambridge United Chief Executive Jez George said: “Will is a young goalkeeper with great potential and we are delighted that he has agreed to tie down his long-term future at Cambridge United following the offer of an extended contract.
“It was pleasing that Will and his agent were keen to commit to the club so everything was concluded extremely quickly.
“As with all our young players, the club has been pro-active when it comes to negotiating contracts.
“We are equally pleased to have been able to agree a loan deal that facilitates Will's continued development which will be crucial towards his aims of becoming a regular first team goalkeeper in the Football League with Cambridge United. It also allows Will to continue training full-time with us under the tutelage of goalkeeper coach, Martin Davies, and allows us to monitor his performances and progress.
“Ultimately all three parties involved - Will, his agent and the club - have worked together with the aim of what's right for Will's progression and future."