Ex-Portsmouth midfielder and Bristol Rovers triallist completes Cambridge switch

The Fratton Park academy graduate has penned a one-year deal at the League Two outfit ahead of the 2020-21 season.

May made 30 appearances for the Blues, having been handed his debut in April 2015.

He endured a difficult season last campaign. May joined Swindon on loan but was sent back to Pompey in January after being confined to a bit-part role, making just 12 appearances.

The 22-year-old then moved to National League Boreham Wood and featured twice before the campaign was curtailed amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

May was subsequently released by Pompey at the end of his two-year deal.

There was plenty of interest in the cultured midfielder throughout the summer. As revealed by The News, Cambridge were one of several clubs keen.

The likes of Mansfield, Forest Green, Crawley and Bristol Rovers also expressed interest.

Indeed, May had a trial period at Bristol Rovers and featured in several friendly matches.

But now he's completed a move to Cambridge where he will reunite with Gary Waddock, who is assistant manager to Mark Bonner.

Waddock gave May his Pompey bow when he was caretaker boss at Fratton Park.

Waddock then took the ex-Sutton man to Aldershot during the first half of the 2018-19 season when in charge at the Recreation Ground.

Speaking to Cambridge's website, May said: ‘I was always trusting in my ability and that I’d be able to find a club. I’m very happy that will be with Cambridge United.

‘I know Gary Waddock really well and have worked under him before, so when I was asked to come in for a trial, I really jumped at the opportunity.

‘Mark Bonner is a young manager and the way he has spoken about this season, made me really excited to be a part of that.

‘It’s felt like a long time away with the combination of the pandemic and finding a new club, so I’m really happy to get this over the line.

‘The main aim for me is to try and get plenty of games under my belt. I’ve struggled with match minutes in the last couple of years and I want that to change here so that I can do what I can for the team.’