Full-back Gibbons to leave Cambridge this summer

Cambridge United full-back James Gibbons will leave the club this summer after he turned down the offer of a new contract.

The 28-year-old made the decision in order to be closer to his family, who are based in the north of England.

Gibbons signed for the U's on a permanent basis in June 2024 after initially joining on loan from Bristol Rovers in 2023.

He made 88 appearances for the U's and was instrumental in helping to seal their automatic promotion to League One, winning the club's player of the season award and scoring six league goals this campaign.

Head coach Neil Harris said: "It's with a very heavy heart that today we say goodbye to James Gibbons.

"What he's helped us achieve this year with his level of performance, leadership qualities and sheer desire to win games of football and drag us over the line to promotion has been hugely appreciated by us all."

Gibbons notably scored the only goal in Cambridge's 1-0 March victory over Salford which saw them move five points clear of their League Two promotion rivals at the time.

Harris added: "We fully understand and support Gibbo's decision to move closer to his family and, whatever comes next for James, we look forward to watching him be successful.

"He'll always be welcome back at the Cledara Abbey."