Mark Roberts Relishing Pre-Season Schedule
On the first day of pre-season training, new arrival Mark Roberts states his excitement at the prospect of getting stuck into work for the U’s.
Earlier this morning the 31-year old was amongst seven new faces to arrive for pre-season training, as Richard Money and his revamped coaching team began preparations for the 2015/16 Football League season.
Having put pen to paper with United back in May, the former Stevenage and Fleetwood Town captain admits it has been a long-awaited return to the training field.
“I signed for the club quite a few weeks ago now and I’ve been itching to get back,” said Roberts.
“In post season it is always nice to have a rest and some down time with the family, but it comes to a point where you are desperate to get into training again.
“It is always a tough part of the season, any footballer across the country would say that, but it is a process that you have to go through to get your body moving again. We have all been working on our own individual programmes over the summer, so it isn’t a case of having two months off and then coming back into work cold.”
He added: “It is sometimes nice to have a rest from the football side of things because it can be pretty full on during the season.
“However I have been training hard in the last couple of months because the running and the gym sessions are aspects of life that I enjoy anyway, so bring it on I suppose.”
Roberts believes the early stages of pre-season not only give the squad an opportunity to recharge physically, but build the togetherness within the camp also.
“The gelling process is massively important and pre-season is a great chance to do that, because you spend a lot more time together with training being that little bit longer.
“The old lads have all made us new players feel really welcome so far, that can only help us mould together and become a strong unit.”
Speaking about his fellow new recruits, he continued: “I have been very impressed with the other new signings.
“The first time I met the manager (Richard Money) he told me about the plans for Cambridge United and recruitment, and it's great because the players he was talking about bringing to the club, have actually signed!
“The squad that already existed here have had a lot of success over the last couple of seasons, so overall we look to have a very competitive squad. It is up to us now to forge together and make a strong bond.
“We’ll be looking to hit the ground running as soon as the season starts.”
The Amber Army will get their first chance to see Mark in action at the Abbey Stadium, in the U's pre-season clash with Norwich City on Friday 17th July.
Tickets are now on general sale for all three of the U's fixtures against the Canaries, Ipswich Town on 21st July and Coventry City on 28th July.
Supporters who purchase a 2015/16 season ticket before the encounter against the Sky Blues, are entitled to attend the fixture totally free of charge!
Meanwhile the club's 2015/16 home shirt is still available to pre-order at the following link.
Anyone who purchases a shirt by pre-ordering will be able to meet Luke and the other new signing in an exclusive collection event on Monday 13th July, at the Abbey Stadium club shop.