Cambridge United sign Macclesfield striker
Joe Ironside will boost Cambridge United’s attacking options after moving to the Abbey on a two-year deal.
The 26-year-old striker has signed from Macclesfield Town until the end of the 2021/22 season.
He made 33 appearances for the Moss Rose side in League Two during the 2019/20 campaign, scoring seven goals in all competitions.
“It’s a pleasure to be here and I can’t wait to get going,” said Ironside.
“Having played here against Cambridge United last season, it’s a great club with a supportive fanbase.
“I had positive conversations with Mark Bonner (head coach) and I felt immediately it was the right fit for me.
“I settled back into the Football League well last year, and although I would have liked to have scored more goals, I’m hopeful that can be the case this year.
“I’d like to think my physical presence and the fact I’ll always look to give 110 per cent are my biggest strengths.
“I’m looking forward to getting amongst the boys for the start of pre-season this weekend, and preparing for a successful season.”
Ironside started his career at Sheffield United, making his debut for the Blades on his 19th birthday.
After loan spells at FC Halifax Town, Harrogate Town, Alfreton Town and Hartlepool United, and making 16 appearances for Sheffield United, he left Bramall Lane permanently in 2015 to join Alfreton.
A year later, he moved to Nuneaton Town and 16 goals caught the attention of Kidderminster Harriers, where he scored 48 times in three seasons, earning a return to the Football League with Macclesfield.
Ironside will add further depth to the option available to the U’s, which also includes fellow new signing Paul Mullin, Harvey Knibbs and Andrew Dallas.
“Joe is someone we have had our eye on for a while,” said United head coach Mark Bonner.
“His performances against us and throughout a tough season at Macclesfield showed a determined work ethic, and a good level of aggression and physicality.
“To complete the set of forwards, we have needed to add a player who can compete aerially and is strong with his back to goal. We have found these qualities in Joe.
“I really like his attitude, his attributes and his application. I also like his ambition to back up his goal-scoring record at non-league level in the EFL. He is another good character to our team and will handle the demands of a busy season well.”
He added: “We have planned all along to go into the season with four strikers with first team experience.
“As a result, Joe joins a group of attackers including Paul Mullin, Harvey Knibbs, Andy Dallas, Ben Worman and Joe Neal who will work together, challenge each other and make each other better. There is plenty more development left in all of them.”
