Cambridge United complete signing of former Nottingham Forest and Charlton Athletic striker Lyle Taylor following Wycombe Wanderers departure

Lyle Taylor has become the first signing of Neil Harris’ tenure as Cambridge United head coach – and he is available to face Fleetwood Town tomorrow afternoon.

The U’s boss revealed during yesterday afternoon’s media duties that the club was ‘close’ to getting a deal over the line, although all of the necessary paperwork would have to be ratified by 12pm today for the player in question to be part of the squad to feature against the Cod Army.

And thankfully for Harris, the agreement to bring in Taylor was rubber stamped prior to the deadline, meaning that the experienced striker could make his debut against Sky Bet League One’s bottom side at the weekend.

The 33-year-old has arrived at The Cledara Abbey Stadium following his recent departure from Wycombe Wanderers, for whom he made seven appearances.

After starting his career at Harris’ former club Millwall, moves to Concord Rangers, AFC Bournemouth, Falkirk, Sheffield United and Scunthorpe United followed, before Taylor enjoyed great success at AFC Wimbledon and Charlton Athletic, scoring 76 goals in 194 league games for the two clubs.

Taylor joined Nottingham Forest in 2020, where he spent two seasons, before most recently playing for Wycombe ahead of today’s move.

“I am excited to get started,” Taylor said. “The final stages have been done really quickly but I am glad to be here and looking forward to it.

“The only thing you can ask for as a footballer is to be wanted and I have played my best football when I have been wanted and given the responsibility to be the man up top to carry the team forward.

“Hopefully that is what will happen here and we can bring some short term success and solidify the team’s position in the league.”

Harris added: “Lyle has been a proven goal scorer over a period of time and has got fantastic experience at this level and leagues above as well.

“He is up to speed now after having six weeks at Wycombe and we think we are getting a player who is coming in hungry, determined and has a desire to score goals.

“I have known Lyle a long time, I know his character and I am extremely excited to welcome him to the club.”

Taylor will wear the number 18 shirt during his time with United.