UNITED CAPTURE RIGHT BACK KYLE KNOYLE ON TWO YEAR DEAL

Cambridge United have made Kyle Knoyle the Club's third summer arrival, with the former West Ham United and Swindon Town defender signing a two year contract.

The talented right back bolsters the U's defensive ranks ahead of the forthcoming 2019/20 campaign, joining both Luke Hannant and Harvey Knibbs in signing on the dotted line at the Abbey this summer.

The 22-year old arrives at United with strong experience of League Two football having impressed for Swindon Town over the course of the previous two seasons, making 69 appearances during his time at the County Ground.

Knoyle's career began with Premier League outfit West Ham where he signed his first professional contract in 2015 after developing as a youngster through the Hammer's academy.

The full back went on to secure his debut for the London club in a UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round tie against FC Astra Giurgiu in August 2015, whilst he also built up experience of playing senior football during loan spells with Scottish Premiership side Dundee United and Championship side Wigan Athletic.

His positive form for Swindon Town earned him the Robins' Players' Player of the Year in 2018/19, and he arrives at the Abbey with ambitions of further improving his development under the guidance of Head Coach Colin Calderwood.

Knoyle commented: "I feel that I've really started to establish myself as a footballer at this level during my time at Swindon, and I'm now ready to kick on again here at Cambridge United.

"Working under Colin (Calderwood) was a big pull for me so it's exciting, and it's a club that I feel I can achieve something with. I like to go forward and I see myself as a modern day full back.

"I'll go away now for a break but I'll keep myself fit with an off-season programme and I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into pre-season here and meeting up with the rest of the squad."

Pleased to have captured Knoyle’s services, Head Coach Colin Calderwood commented: "Kyle is another player who really stood out against us when he featured for Swindon Town last season.

"He certainly has good experience across a number of different levels, and has both the attributes and the personality that I feel will set into the team environment.

"Alongside Leon Davies he will contribute towards an energetic right hand side to our squad. Kyle has shown excellent development in the last 18 months, and we look forward to working with him to help to continue that."

Cambridge United Head of Football, Ben Strang concluded: “When we became aware of Kyle’s potential availability, we were keen to secure his signature as quickly as possible.

“He joins at a stage where he has gained decent experience at our level, whilst having many years of development ahead of him. When we met Kyle it was clear that he is a driven individual; desperate to develop and play at the best level possible. We feel that the staff can improve Kyle’s game further and look forward to working with him.”