Money gives his reaction to the U’s first signing ahead of the 2015/16 season.
Cambridge United Manager Richard Money says the U’s newest recruit Leon Legge is a blueprint for the type of player the club will be looking to recruit ahead of the 2015/16 Football League season.
The experienced central defender arrives at the Abbey Stadium having featured in over 150 Football League games during his spells with Brentford and Gillingham, as well as previous experience of promotion from Sky Bet League 2 in 2013 with the latter.
Speaking to Cambridge-United.co.uk, Money commented: “We have decided that in this process we need to be picking out players that have been there and done it before.
“We know that we played last year with a group that was relatively inexperienced in terms of league football, so we want to try and bring in players that have had a number of league games under their belt. Success in the league is obviously a real benefit as well and Leon will certainly bring that.
“The fact he has been promoted from this division and has experience in this league, those things certainly helped in our decision to pursue him.
“It’s clear to see he is a big, tall, strong boy who will lead us at the back together with Hughes and Coulson who we already have, which is the beginning a really good defensive unit.”
He added, “It’s been a long process over the past few days but we are absolutely delighted that Leon has chosen to come to us at this stage in his career and he’ll be a crucial signing.
“I think that any rebuilding process starts at the back and to bring in a strong defender was obviously key at the beginning of this process. To get that piece of the jigsaw in first is very pleasing.
“He has had a good career at Brentford and a good spell with Gillingham with a non-league background as well, which I think is always of benefit.”
As well as adding a potentially exciting influence on the field, Money believes the 29-year old will bring about a positive effect away from match action, commending Legge’s professional attitude.
“I mentioned last week that there are always three elements to this process and character is obviously a major part of that,” said the United manager.
“Having met with Leon two or three times now, he has really impressed me with the type of guy that he is.
“It not only seems that we have brought a good footballer to the club but a good guy as well, which is really important.”
Meanwhile, the U’s boss admits the club are stoking the fire with a number of further potential signings, but states the importance of making calculated decisions during the recruitment process.
“It is difficult to say when we may see a few more coming through the door, but we feel we’re very close with another two or three players.
“However we are certainly not going to rush into this process because we’ll only sign players that we think can feature in the starting 11. From there it is up to everyone in the squad to jostle for a position."
U's supporters are now able to ensure they don't miss a minute of Legge in action by purchasing a 2015/16 season tickets by clicking here.