Cambridge United youngster Lewis Simper joins Yeovil Town on loan

Cambridge United have confirmed that 20-year-old Lewis Simper has joined National League side Yeovil Town on a season-long loan.

The midfielder is a product of the U’s academy, having joined at the age of six. He made his professional debut against Fulham U21s in the EFL Trophy in September 2020, but is yet to play a league game for the club.

Simper was sent out on loan to National League South side Concord Rangers for the 2020/21 campaign, but the league’s early curtailment due to the Covid-19 pandemic meant that he was only able to make seven appearances for the club, scoring twice. However, he did start for the Beach Boys in their 1-0 FA Trophy final defeat against Harrogate Town at Wembley.

The U’s promotion to League One indicated that there would be limited first team opportunities for the youngster, but his performances have proven that he is ready to step up a division to the National League.

Cambridge head coach Mark Bonner said:

“This loan gives Lewis an excellent opportunity to build on his strong conclusion to last season, stepping up a level to the National League. A loan for Lewis was always a strong possibility this season, and the recent addition of Jensen Weir and this opportunity coming about now, makes it the perfect time for him to experience a first team environment with a more realistic chance of senior match minutes.

“We have seen how good Darren Sarll and Yeovil Town have been for Tom Knowles and hope that
Lewis will rise to the challenge of competing for a regular starting place in the team, coping with the
physical demands that brings and adjusting to a new environment.

“When Lewis signed an extension to his contract in the summer we highlighted his potential and
believe this is the next step in his development towards our First Team.”

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