Former Bristol Rovers defender re-joins League One rivals after loan stint last season

Former Bristol Rovers right-back James Gibbons has joined Cambridge United permanently after a loan stint with the Us in the second half of last season.

The 26-year-old, who has signed a two-year deal at the Abbey Stadium, was one of seven players released by the Gas at the end of last term but last played for Rovers in the 1-0 home defeat to Exeter City at the end of January before going on to make 13 appearances on loan at Cambridge.

That spell in Cambridgeshire coincided with the Us' push for survival, ending the campaign 18th in League One and four points above the drop zone.

Speaking to Cambridge's club media, Gibbons said: “I am buzzing to be back. I really enjoyed my football here and really liked working under the gaffer, so it was an easy decision to make the move.

“I was made to feel right at home by everyone at the club, including the supporters, who were unbelievable to me.

“We really want to kick on this season so I am excited to get going again and meet back up with the lads.”

The right-back was one of Rovers' first signings back in League One two summers ago, joining from fellow promoted side Port Vale on a free transfer. He went on to make a total of 48 appearances for the Gas but never quite managed a consistent run of games in blue-and-white quarters.

Gibbons did play the full 90 minutes of Matt Taylor's first game in charge, a 2-1 defeat to Crawley Town in the EFL Trophy before starting in the league against Cheltenham Town, slotting in at left-back, but was withdrawn at half-time. He subsequently made just two appearances as a substitute

When the 26-year-old returns to the Mem as an opposition player will be confirmed tomorrow morning with the EFL fixtures set to be released at 9am.

Gibbons is the fourth player of the seven released at the end of last season to find a new club with Harvey Greenslade (Yeovil Town), Lewis Gordon (Chesterfield) and Sam Finley (Tranmere Rovers) also securing moves.