Martin Butler has completed his transfer to Reading Football Club. The deal was announced at a press conference in Reading this afternoon and was confirmed shortly afterwards by Cambridge United.

Manager Roy McFarland said, "Whilst we are sorry to see Martin go, he has done a tremendous job for this football club and we wish him well."

According to Reading he has signed a four and a half year contract, the transfer fee involved is £750,000 and he will make his debut at Preston on Saturday. I understand a sell-on clause is part of the deal so that Cambridge United stand to make a further profit on the player if he makes a future big money move.

Martin Butler joined Cambridge United from Walsall in August 1997 for a fee of £22,500, signing on the day before the new season kicked-off despite late interest from Wolves.

He scored 41 times in 103 League appearances, including two hat-tricks, and was a firm favourite with the fans for his unstinting effort and obvious commitment as well as his skill and the goals he scored.

Last season Martin was voted into the PFA Division Three XI by his fellow professionals and at the end of the season he was voted U's Net Player of the Season. The Supporters Club and CUSA both named him their Player of the Year, and before Saturday's match against Bolton I was delighted to present Martin with the U's Net player of the month award for December 1999.

I am sure all Cambridge United supporters, wherever they are, join me in thanking him for his efforts on behalf of Cambridge United and wishing him every success in the future - although hoping that any goals he might score for Reading are not responsible for returning us to Division Three.