Andy Pugh (by Keith Gillard)

Front man joins for £15,000

CAMBRIDGE United manager Jez George has finally got his man after securing the signature of Welling United top-scorer Andy Pugh.

The U’s have paid £15,000 to bring the former Gillingham striker to the R Costings Abbey Stadium in a move that was initially revealed by Wings boss Jamie Day two weeks ago.

A knee injury subsequently delayed the transfer, but after completing a medical today the 22-year-old has put pen to paper on a two and a half year contract.

George said: “Andy is young, talented, keen to develop and ambitious to play higher up the leagues. Andy has a fantastic goal scoring record over the last two years. He has a superb attitude and tremendous work ethic.

“He is good technically, shows intelligent movement and is a natural finisher.

“We will help him to adapt gradually to the demands of full-time training and we won’t see the real benefit of this work until next season.

“This is a good investment for the club and whilst it has been protracted due to an injury he sustained for Welling three weeks ago, we are delighted that everything has now been completed.”

Pugh, who had a short loan spell at Histon two years ago, is top scorer in the Blue Square Bet South, having notched 16 goals for Welling already this season. He has attracted attention from League One sides Hartlepool and Leyton Orient in recent months.

He said: “It’s been well documented that this deal has dragging on for a while, but that’s over now and I can’t wait to start scoring goals for Cambridge United.

“Jez has been very committed to bringing me here and I would like to thank Jez and the board for their patience. I want to repay their faith in me on the pitch.”

Pugh could make an immediate debut when United take on Tamworth on Saturday.