United Boss discusses beneficial week without a game for the U's
Manager Richard Money reflects positively on an important week that has allowed the U’s to regroup ahead of Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two clash against Barnet.
Following a two week period in which United have played no less than five fixtures and travelled over 980 miles, a week without a midweek match has seen the U’s recuperate from an intense opening to the 2015/16 campaign.
The opportunity to rest a large group of players, as well as focus on a number of key areas on the training field has been an important one explains Money.
“Spending time on the training pitch is one thing but also giving the players the chance to recover following an intense period has also been equally important,” said the United manager.
“Time on the training pitch doesn’t necessarily mean players running around for long periods.
“I think all clubs at this stage of the season are in different places. If you have had a trouble free pre-season and all games have gone to plan, it means you have a settled group going in to the season. Competitive game weeks may have pushed you on even further.
“But I think if you have a situation like us, where we have brought a lot of players in and suffered injury and illness within the squad, as well as attempting to give players minutes to prove themselves in the team, then this week has been really important to us.”
Meanwhile the U’s boss gave a brief update on the squad’s current injury list and added: “Keith [Keane] will be doubtful because he came in on Saturday not feeling well, was actually sick before he went out on to the pitch and obviously the bug had just hit him. As with Leon Legge last time, I would say that he will be doubtful for this weekend.
“Barry Corr might play but will more likely be available for next week, whilst Jeff Hughes played 70 minutes on Tuesday which has pushed himself a little bit further forward which means like Barry he might play some part at the weekend but probably next week as well.
“Elliot Omozusi has an ear problem and is going to see the doctor this morning so he may be doubtful for the weekend also.
“But it is why we have got a good squad and it’s crucial that we have 11 players that are 100% fit rather than trying to push some players through that we shouldn’t.”
Money feels that his side should view last weekend’s frustrating result at the Abbey Stadium against Crawley Town as a character builder, and a response on Saturday afternoon at the Hive would help to start kick start momentum once more.
“Teams need all types of experiences to build character within the group. The comeback win against AFC Wimbledon was certainly one but to then lose as we did at home to Crawley can’t happen. So in both their ways they are character building results and we’ll find out where we are at the weekend.
“For sure we need to make some response because if our ambitions are to be met this year then we need to respond at the weekend.”
Tickets for the clash against the Bees are still available online at the following link, with places also available to book for the club’s Away coach travel.