Nicholls joins Cambridge United

Unsettled midfielder Ashley Nicholls has joined Cambridge United on loan for the rest of the season after the club initially turned down a loan move from the club. Dave Hodgson has decided to accept the offer and believes the player's future lies away from Darlington.

Despite the initial deal being turned down a second deal was renegotiated and Cambridge manager, John Taylor, agreed to take the player on loan for three months. Nicholls joined Quakers in the summer before the start of last season and has failed to settle at the club. Rumours over the pre-season suggested that Nicholls want to pursue life outside of football due to his homesickness.

Speaking to the Northern Echo. Hodgson hopes the move will be beneficial for the player. "We've allowed Ash to go down there where he'll be nearer home and hopefully he will be happy," said Hodgson. "He has an opportunity to go to Cambridge and earn a long-term move. Hopefully the lad can concentrate on his football and prove to us and himself that the move is a good one. We've done as much as we can for Ash and now it's up to him to decide what he wants."

The deal includes a clause will make sure that Nicholls can not play against Darlington when the two teams meet at the Arena in the middle of March. "It would be a classic if he goes and scores the winner against us up here in March," said Hodgson.

The move of Nicholls away from the club will allow the club to bring in another player but Hodgson will need time to work any deals out. "I need a couple of days to asses the situation and decide what's best," said Hodgson. "Ash's move gives us a bit more flexibility and the opportunity to bring somebody else in if we need to."

Nicholls' last game for Quakers was against Rochdale which saw Darlington win by a single goal.

Source: The-Tinshed.net

Picture by Dafts.co.uk

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