DERRY PLEASED WITH PROGRESS FOLLOWING ST NEOTS WIN
Shaun Derry says he is pleased with pre-season progress to date following a tough opening two weeks and the fixture with St Neots Town on Saturday afternoon.The U’s came through the clash with a 2-1 win thanks to a second half strike from the returning Conor Newton, and the United boss was thrilled to put his side through their paces for the first time.
Derry said: “It was a great workout and it came on the back of two really difficult weeks of pre-season. The players have put in a lot of hard work and of course they will be asked to continue doing so.
“When you throw a game on the end of that hard work, then sometimes you see some good stuff and other times you see some areas that need improving.
“It was the first of six pre-season games and we’ll be looking to structure the minutes in a way where we can get the best out of the full squad going into the start of the season against Barnet.
“So far our focus has been solely on fitness and the details around set pieces and the way we will look to set up for the season, will start to become an area to concentrate on in the coming weeks.”
Following Saturday’s final whistle, the U’s have since faced a quick turnaround and today begin their pre-season training camp in Holland before fixtures against German sides KFC Uerdingen and SG Wattenscheid later this week.
Commenting on the tour, Derry added: “The trip gives us a great opportunity to look at the tactical side of our game and we’ll also be able to forge our relationships in a different environment.
“When you spend a period of time away as a unit, the team becomes a family. I’m sure the tour will be greatly beneficial for us.”
United return from tour next week and face their first pre-season game at the Cambs Glass Stadium against Ipswich Town on Saturday 23rd July, before Aston Villa visit four days later.
Tickets for both games are available to buy online, in-store and by calling 01223 566 500.