U’s Head Coach Mark Bonner spoke with local media on Monday morning ahead of Cambridge United’s clash with Cheltenham Town…
On Cheltenham:
“They [Cheltenham] are on a really good run of form at the moment. They had a really tough run a few weeks ago, like the run we just had, but recently they have had a couple of brilliant results and Michael Duff has done a brilliant job there.
“We know a bit about them from last year, obviously winning the league, and they have since continued their momentum into this season. They have been exceptional.
“They had a strange result at the weekend, in the terms that they don’t seem to concede that many goals, however that was in a cup competition, and I have no doubt they will be back to their more normal ways tomorrow.
“We know it is a tough game for us, but we are looking forward to getting back into league action, after a nice break from the league over the last week.”
Team News:
“Last week was about trying to play everyone once and we managed to do it. So, to come out of the week with two wins and into the next round of both cup competitions is very pleasing.
“Every player in the squad contributed to one of the games, some obviously over two. We had in mind last week that we wanted to get to Cheltenham with everybody fit and available which is the case, so we are delighted that we have done that, but we have done that with two wins as well, so it sets it up nicely for this week.
“There is no real news on Lloyd [Jones] at the moment, his injury is taking longer than anybody thought he is frustrated, as we all are, so he is not available at the moment.”
On the U’s that went out on loan:
“We said for a while that we are going to be lining up for those boys to go out on loan, and off the back of the Papa John's Trophy game, it felt like a perfect opportunity.
“They needed to go and get a run of games which they all need over Christmas and New Year, as it is really important that the young pros play, and they are not sat home doing nothing.
“Of course, it leaves us a little bit light in terms of numbers, but we had to strike a balance between having players in the building and having young players that play regularly. We also must remember that young professionals did not play football last year and you just can't get better if you're not playing regularly.”