Summer signing no.8: Shane McLoughlin

Following declining his contract extension at Newport County, the former Ipswich and AFC Wimbledon midfielder joins the U's on a 1 year deal. He has clearly impressed during his trial which included the most recent friendly fixture against Charlton Athletic. Many didn't know who he was before, however all will do now. He adds to the fairly weak numbers in midfield and can fill in as a full back on both sides. The New York born utility man has already been adored by fans after calling the club "big" and saying that he "is raring to get back into it". He is likely to start on Saturday as he has played twice already in the week he has been at the club.

The Bronx native didn't manage to play much last season due to a knee injury picked up in September but has been fairly fit before and since picking up that injury that kept him out for just over 6 weeks. With a fit midfielder coming in it shows the intent from the club to attack the areas where we are weak with still 5 days left until the season opener at the Abbey. We of course still need at least 1 striker through the door but that is likely to be a loan once the season has started.

McLoughlin hasn't created or scored much in his career to date so we won't be able to rely on consistent goal contributions from the Irish-American, however he will be a solid play who will work hard and battle as we are used to having in our teams in recent years. This feels like a good signing that Harris clearly likes and trusts which is vitally important as we can smell the burgers being sold on the opener.

Credit: @CambridgeUtdFC on X