Assistant Head Coach Gary Waddock, alongside full back George Williams were on media duties ahead of the U’s clash with MK Dons on Saturday…
First up, former Republic of Ireland international, Gary Waddock, spoke to local media.
On a packed fixture schedule for the U’s:
“It is a great challenge but at the same time, it is relentless, you know, every second or third day you are planning for another game, but I think it has been a great challenge and I am really enjoying it so far.
“Obviously with the game on Tuesday night we were able to make a number of changes, so we were able to give some of the lads some downtime and hopefully they will feel a little bit more refreshed going into the game on Saturday, and hopefully that works in our favour.”
On MK Dons:
“They [MK Dons] have done really well, they have got a good group of players there and have a way of playing that is really difficult to play against, but we will go there with a plan and put that in place and will hopefully get some reward for it.
“Obviously as we know, they are a possession-based team, they have made one or two changes to it how they play but overall, they play a very similar style to the previous manager.
“It is a difficult place to go to because of the style of play that they have but it is a great challenge for us in a fantastic stadium as well. They have a really good group of players, but so have we and we are looking forward to the challenge.
“We all know about Harry [Darling] and how good of a player he is, they have also got Hiram [Boateng] there as well who we know really well, so yeah, looking forward to seeing them but we want to go there and be very professional, which we will be, to go there and get a result.”
Team News:
“There is a few bumps and bruises and having played so much recently, we were able to give some players a rest on Tuesday evening, so we want to give them as much possible time to get over the bumps and bruises that we have picked up.
“Both Greg [Taylor] and Liam [O’Neil] are progressing really well, which is great, it is a long journey for both of them. They are playing their part; they are two good experienced pros and they have been around the dressing rooms on matchdays so even though they are not playing they are playing their path off the field which is helping us.
“Jack [Lankester] and his partner have had a baby boy, which is great, so that is why he was not available last week. We will see how he is this week before making a decision on Saturday.”
Former MK Dons right back George Williams was next to face the media.
On playing against former club MK Dons:
“I was there a few seasons; the club means a lot to me but yes I am looking forward to it. It is the first time going back there since leaving there so it should be a good game.
“I went there when I was 13, and went all the way up to scholarship, but was not offered a professional contract. I then ended up back there and was there for I think 5 and a half seasons which was great.
“It is nice for me but it will be different this time going there in a Cambridge shirt and we are looking forward to the challenge as a team and myself personally.”
On life at the U’s:
“I absolutely love it here! The lads and staff have made me feel welcome from day one. It is a really nice club, with great fans, so to be here is brilliant and there is a really good feel around the dressing room.
“I was looking forward to joining but it has gone even better than I had expected; I could not have asked for a better start really! We are playing some really good stuff, and everyone is happy and I think that is reflected on our position in the table.”
On a challenging next few games:
“It is amazing what a win does, when you put back-to-back wins together in this league it is massive – it helps the confidence so much and it puts us in a good position to go into these next few challenging fixtures – starting on Saturday against MK Dons.
“I have been in League One for numerous years and it is probably the strongest League One on paper I have seen. There is five/six teams who have recently been playing in the Premier League, with massive fanbases. So the fact we are in this league and competing is a massive credit to the players and staff at this club.”