Gamble to sign for Cork City tonight

Joe Gamble will sign a two-and-a-half year contract with Cork City at half-time in tonight’s eircom League clash with St Patrick’s Athletic.

The 23-year-old former Reading and Barnet midfielder will sign on the dotted line after weeks of talks and negotiations that at one stage looked doomed to failure.

Gamble joins City on a free release having had his contract at Reading terminated.

“I have agreed personal terms and a two-and-a-half year deal and I am delighted to be home," he told the Evening Echo's Noel Spillane

“I can’t play until July 1 but I am training with the first team squad,” said Gamble who will attend tonight’s game against St Pat’s.

Cork are back in action on Tuesday night away to champions Shelbourne at Tolka Park (7.45) as they try to close the five-point gap that exists between the teams.

“I am off on a week’s holiday to the Canaries and then it’s down to business and all about winning my place in the team,” said Gamble who has signed for the club as a full-time professional.

“I am very excited about my move. It’s what I wanted after four years in England.

“I am more than happy to be back,” said Gamble who played over 35 times in the Nationwide Conference last season.

“I have kept in shape and even though I went off to Malaga with Barnet for an end-of-season trip after the play-offs, I am in very good condition.

“I have targeted the home game against Dublin City on July 2 as a possible debut match,” he added.