Stoke City defender Jason Kavanagh has signed for Cambridge United this morning and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow's visit of AFC Bournemouth. No fee is involved for the 28-year-old right-back who made over 100 appearances for Derby County - where he was managed by Roy McFarland - and Wycombe Wanderers before joining Stoke last season.

A tenacious tackler who is described as good in the air for his height of 5 feet 9 inches, Kavanagh was in and out of the side at Stoke City and will be relishing the chance for regular first team football, while his arrival will free Ian Ashbee for a return to his more accustomed midfield role.

Roy McFarland thought he had completed the pacy defender's signing earlier this season until the deal foundered at the Stoke end, but the recent takeover at the Potteries club opened the door again.

In today's Cambridge Evening News McFarland comments, "We've been interested in Jason for some time, but technicalities over contracts prevented us bringing him in earlier in the season. I know Jason from my Derby County days and his kind of experience is what we need."

Kavanagh, who enjoys fishing in his spare time, is a former England Youth international and he has agreed a two and a half year contract. He commented this morning, "I am delighted with the deal. It's important to have security, especially when you consider the number of footballers out of work. Everyone at Cambridge has been very friendly and I am looking forward to helping them climb the table."

Young second year pros Darren Cockrill, Dean Armstrong and Larry McAvoy have all been released by the club.