PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW: SHAUN DERRY
Manager Shaun Derry wants the Amber Army to replicate the outstanding support produced on the road in recent weeks at the Abbey Stadium, ahead of Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two clash with Hartlepool United (K.O. 3:00pm).
Two weeks of away fixtures means the U’s are set to play on home soil for the first time since the start of the New Year. With over 1,500 fans travelling to the U’s fixtures against Crawley and Luton, the vocal support has sparked the United boss to reveal the impact created from the terraces.
He said: “With regards to the supporters I can speak on both a playing behalf and now as a manager. When I was a player and saw huge numbers in the away end, it absolutely galvanises you and takes you forward. I respected that as a player.
“Now stood on the side line as the Manager of Cambridge United and seeing so many people travel away, dipping their hands in their pockets is remarkable.
“At the Abbey Stadium, the support has been great too. We are always appreciative of everybody that supports the team and we want to put on performances to reward that backing.
“We want everybody to be a part of it so please continue to attend the games and support the boys.”
After a 0-0 draw with Luton Town at Kenilworth Road last Saturday and a fine performance which possibly warranted all three points, the U’s head into this weekend’s fixture with great momentum.
Once again Derry’s message to the U’s has been forward thinking and he commented: “We return to the Abbey Stadium three points behind the play off places and picked up a great point on a difficult afternoon in Luton last week.
“I have always said that if the players can play to their maximum, then we can be a force for anyone.
“I stand by that because nothing I’ve seen has changed my mind, even in the last two or three weeks when results have gone against us. My message is still the same and I’m confident in the players’ ability.
“That will allow us to get a number of wins between now and the end of the season.”
Tickets for Saturday’s match against Hartlepool United (K.O. 3:00pm) are available online, in-store and over the phone by calling 01223 566 500.