Cambridge United have announced the loan signing of right-back James Gibbons from fellow SkyBet League One side Bristol Rovers until the end of the current season, in a club statement.
The 25-year-old has featured just nine times in the league this season for his parent club, seeing the majority of his gametime in the FA Cup and Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
He becomes Cambridge’s second signing of the January transfer window, after experienced striker Lyle Taylor switched from Wycombe Wanderers earlier in the month.
Gibbons joined Bristol Rovers in the summer of 2022, before featuring 34 times across all competitions for the Gas in the 2022/23 campaign.
He scored his only goal in Bristol Rovers colours in this season’s Bristol Street Motors trophy, netting in a 4-1 group stage victory over Cheltenham Town.
The defender has spent most of his career at Port Vale, coming through their academy from the age of 11.
He cemented a place in the Valiants first time in the 2017/18 season and was an ever-present until he departed for Gloucestershire.
Gibbons achieved promotion from League Two during his time at Port Vale, featuring as his side beat Mansfield in the 2022 playoff final.
Neil Harris’ latest signing strengthens the U’s defensive options. On the club website, he said: “He has been on our radar for a few weeks now, so we are delighted to bring in his experience and quality – not just on the pitch – where he has been a very good player at this level, but also off the pitch as well.”
Cambridge currently sit 16th in League One, having earned goalless draws in their previous two games.
Writer’s View:
An experience defender was on the wish list for Neil Harris in this window, and James Gibbons ticks that box.
He’s a versatile player, with experience in the EFL. He fell out of favour at Bristol Rovers this season, so it makes sense for all parties that we would move out on loan until the end of the season.
He should be able to get some valuable gametime under his belt at Cambridge United before the season comes to a close.