DERRY: “OUR PRE-SEASON STEPS UP A GEAR AGAINST IPSWICH AND VILLA”

INTERVIEW: SHAUN DERRY

Cambridge United Manager Shaun Derry feels that the U’s pre-season preparations will now step up a level as his side take on Ipswich Town and Aston Villa in the coming five days.

United will face the Championship duo at the Cambs Glass Stadium,, with the new Sky Bet League Two campaign now just two weeks away.

“Our pre-season schedule definitely goes up a gear or two now,” said the U’s boss.

“We have had the opportunity to go into Europe and face a different style and type of opponent and now we want to test ourselves against good quality Championship sides.

“We’re looking forward to the start of the season and hopefully hitting it in good form. These upcoming fixtures will give us a real measure of how much we have left to do and where we are at.

He continued: “We have missed playing at home, it’s a great ground to play at with the home support behind. It certainly rocked during the second half of last season.

“We’re excited about coming home and we would ask as many fans as possible to get behind us.

“We’re playing against two former European winners during the 80s, both have a great history and have lifted domestic trophies also. So they will be fantastic spectacles for our supporters.”

Tickets for the matches against Ipswich (23rd July, 3:00pm) and Aston Villa (26th July, 7:30pm) are available to buy online, in-store and over the phone by calling 01223 566 500.