Young forward Harvey Knibbs signs a two-year deal with Cambridge United, joining the U’s ahead of the 2019/20 season.
The 20-year old puts pen to paper on a deal until the end of 2020/21 season and reunites with U’s Head Coach Colin Calderwood, after working under him during his time with Aston Villa.
The hard working forward has most recently shown an eye for goal competing at U23 level for Villa where he spent seven years within the youth ranks, whilst he also boasts good footballing pedigree having initially developed as a youngster at Nottingham Forest.
Knibbs has already had the opportunity to begin his integration into life at the Abbey having trained with the U’s during a trial period in the final few weeks of the 2018/19 campaign.
On committing his future permanently to the Club, he said: “I’m really pleased to have signed and I can’t wait to get going.
“I’ve had the chance to meet all of the lads already, who really welcomed me in and I was very impressed with the standard of training.
“Obviously Colin (Calderwood) being here played a massive role in my decision. During my time at Villa he really helped me and this provides a great chance to work him again that I really didn’t want to turn down.
“I also spoke with Rushian (Hepburn-Murphy) and Jake (Doyle-Hayes) and they both really enjoyed their time here last season, so I knew the Club was a good place to come to.
“I’ve had a real good education at both Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa and I feel like it’s prepared me for going into men’s football now with Cambridge United.”
Following the announcement of Luke Hannant as the first player through the door this summer, Knibbs becomes the second new member of Colin Calderwood’s new look squad for 2019/20 ahead of the Next Chapter at the Abbey Stadium for U’s fans next season.
Head Coach Colin Calderwood commented:
“I feel Harvey has the attributes of a modern forward, which will help him really progress to get opportunities in league football. Physically he can become a real powerful striker, who has good linking abilities, and showed calm finishing skills at Villa where I first worked with him.”
Head of Football Ben Strang added:
“Harvey is certainly a player with potential. When Alex Fraser flagged his availability as a free agent towards the end of last season, we took very little time in bringing him in to train with the squad.
“As with all young players he still has work to do in his all-round game, but he displayed an ability of scoring goals with us.
“We are fully aware that we need to add forward options to the squad this summer, and we’re pleased that Harvey is the first addition in the area.”
Hannant and Knibbs are the first players to sign up for the Next Chapter at the Abbey Stadium. Secure your place before the Early Bid deadline to do the same and make a saving on 2019/20 season tickets. Click here to buy now.