SIGNING: ADAM McGURK
Cambridge United have today completed the signing of Portsmouth striker Adam McGurk on a two-year deal.The 27-year old forward switches to the Cambs Glass Stadium until the end of the 2017/18 campaign, and joins Ben Williamson, Joe Pigott and Barry Corr in Shaun Derry’s forward options.
McGurk – who has represented Northern Ireland at under-21 level – played youth team football for Aston Villa before moving on to Hednesford and Tranmere.
He signed for Burton in the summer of 2013 and netted 19 goals in 83 games during his two years at the Pirelli Stadium. Most recently he joined Pompey last summer and played 27 games for Paul Cook’s side in the 2015/16 season.
Pleased to have penned a deal with the U’s, McGurk commented: “I’m glad to join the club and I can now look forward to kicking on for the start of the new season.
“When I spoke to Shaun Derry, he was very honest about where the club wants to go and he clearly knows what he wants from the team. I also spoke with James Dunne and a few players who had been here previously, and I only got positive vibes about the club.”
He continued: “Barry Corr, Ben Williamson and Joe Pigott are three good forwards, so there will be a real competition to earn a place in the side. I want to come here and add something different.
“Over the next two weeks I will have to learn how everybody functions on the pitch and try to get as minutes as possible to be ready for the season. I’ll aim to stake a claim during the remainder of pre-season and hit the ground running.”
Meanwhile, U’s boss Shaun Derry added: “Reflecting on last season, we felt that we required more fire power if we are to continue improving and I’m absolutely delighted we have been able to bring in Joe Pigott and now Adam McGurk.
“He is a dynamic player in the way that he works his way towards the goal and from looking at his goal scoring attributes, he’s obviously had a lot of success from the middle of the park. Adam has a flexibility to play in numerous positions, but we have brought him in as a centre forward.
“It is important that in that position, we have good competition in order to ensure that we keep a cutting edge when we get into dangerous areas of the pitch.
“We know Barry Corr will not be fully fit for the start of the season and it will take some time for him to catch up, so we’re delighted to bring in two extra centre forwards to give us that additional depth.”
The striker could make his first appearance in amber and black in tomorrow’s pre-season tussle with Ipswich Town at the Cambs Glass Stadium , with tickets available online, in-store and by calling 01223 566 500.