Cambridge United are pleased to announce the Club's first summer acquisition as midfielder Luke Hannant signs a two year deal at the Abbey Stadium.
The 25-year old returns to Cambridge United having previously been a member of the Club's Academy and youth team up to 2012, and has now penned a contract until the end of the 2020/21 season.
A versatile midfielder capable of playing centrally or on the left, Hannant arrives back at the U's having gained valuable experience under his belt and developed himself on and off the pitch since departing seven years ago.
His impressive ability whilst playing for Dereham Town and Northumbria University's football team - where he studied for a degree in Sport & Exercise Science - saw him picked up by Gateshead in 2016 before eventually earning a move into League Two with Port Vale in January last year. The midfielder made his Football League debut against Accrington Stanley shortly after and has since been an ever-present member for the Valiants, featuring over 65 times.
Thrilled to now be back at the Abbey, Hannant said: "As soon as I found out there was an opportunity to come back to Cambridge United, it was a no brainer for me and my family are equally pleased for me to have the chance to return to Cambridge.
"It's really nice to come back and work together with a few familiar faces. Bonz (Mark Bonner, Assistant Head Coach) was my youth team coach at the time and likewise Matt Walker (Head of Performance) was here too when I first came in at 15.
"It's great to move to somewhere where people know how I work and what my attributes are. The experience I have gained since I was last here has been massive because I don't feel at that time I was quite ready to go into the professional game.
"The time away and working my way back up has really helped me to mature and allowed me to now not take anything for granted and work as hard as I can."
He continued: "I feel I can play in a variety of positions, I like to mix it up with the centre forward and always aim to bring a lot of energy to my performances.
"I'm really happy to be here again and can't wait to get started!"
Hannant becomes the first addition to Colin Calderwood's side ahead of the 2019/20 season, with the U's Head Coach pleased to have acquired the midfielder's services:
“Luke has good experience in senior football and caught my eye against us at the Abbey.
“He can create from wide off of both feet and is one that I feel brings different options and additional goal threat. His industry and work rate stood out to all the staff.”
Cambridge United's Head of Football Ben Strang concluded:
"We’re delighted to welcome Luke back to the club. Having left the club after his scholarship, he has since taken a slightly unusual path back in to the professional game, which gives him terrific drive and enthusiasm.
“He performed well for Port Vale last season, has played an impressive number of minutes over the last few seasons, and has demonstrated that he can create goal scoring chances.
“We believe that Luke’s energy and endeavour will be hugely valuable in the way in which Colin wants to play.”
Luke Hannant has become the first player to sign up for the Next Chapter at the Abbey for 2019/20. You can too by securing your season ticket! Don't miss the chance to purchase at the reduced price bracket ahead of Friday's Early Bird deadline – Click here to buy now.