Cambridge United have snapped up Emmanuel Osadebe following his release by the Gills.

Osadebe, 20, spent two seasons with Gillingham and played 42 league games.

He was signed from Tottenham Hotspur’s foundation college programme on the recommendation of David Kerslake, who would later join the Gills as Justin Edinburgh’s assistant manager.

Osadebe - known as Paddy to his team-mates - will be best remembered for his first professional goal, in a game at Priestfield against Bury, when he ran from deep inside his own half to score.

He played 21 games during his first season as a pro, in all competitions. He played another 31 the following season but started just three games under current boss Ady Pennock.

Osadebe left with a parting shot when he was released at the end of the season, tweeting: “Enjoyed and learned a lot over my two years at Gills, well one and a half lol.”

He has signed for a side managed by Sean Derry, a good friend of ex Gills boss Edinburgh and a regular at Gillingham games during the former manager’s time at the club.

The League 2 side finished mid-table in the 2016/17 season.

Osadebe said: “The experience of playing in League One for Gillingham has been invaluable and I feel ready to take on what this division has to offer.

“There are clear aims for next season and I want to play a role in the push forward.”