Cambridge sign defender Partridge

Blue Square Premier outfit Cambridge United have confirmed the signing of defender David Partridge following the departure of Wayne Hatswell to Irish side Dundalk.

31-year-old Partridge is a former Welsh International and joins the U's on a deal that will run until June 2011.

His former clubs include Motherwell, Bristol City, Brentford and St Patrick's Athletic more recently.

He has also had loan spells with MK Dons and Leyton Orient, where Ling was at the helm in 2006.

Partridge told the club's official website: "I'm here to help get Cambridge United back into the Football League.

"I've played under Martin Ling before and know what a good manager he is.

"I've been really impressed with the training facilities and the ground and know the support Cambridge get for this level is very good.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge and can't wait to get started."

Ling added: "He's a full international, experienced and a great talker.

"He's been in St Patricks for the last two years. He's the left sided centre-half that I've been looking for and is a good addition to the squad.

"He will do a good job for the next 18 months and with Wayne going it was important to fetch somebody in who had the same qualities."