Persistence paid off for Roy McFarland when he eventually signed Jason Kavanagh in December 1999. He thought he had landed the former Derby County and Wycombe man from Stoke earlier this season before the deal fell through due to difficulties at the Stoke end, but 'Kav' was finally reunited with his former boss and made his debut in the FA Cup win over Crystal Palace.

The 28-year-old settled instantly into the troublesome right-back slot and won many fans with his solid defending and organisational skills. U's Net's first sponsored player, Jason follows in the footsteps of Roy McFarland, John Taylor and Tom Youngs by answering questions from supporters in the latest U's Net Q&A.

Jason is an experienced player who has played over 200 games under several managers at Derby, Wycombe, Stoke and now Cambridge United, and he gave some interesting answers. The interview took place on Friday 7th April 2000.

General Questions

Which footballer did you most admire as you were growing up, and why?

When I was growing up I saw Platini playing at Wembley, in a friendly. It was an International XI versus a Rest of the World XI and he was fantastic, he was better than anything I'd ever seen and he made a big impression.

Which footballer do you most admire now, and why?

Now ... I think Alan Shearer's fantastic. I think he's had serious injuries, takes a lot of stick week in week out and he just conducts himself in a brilliant manner. Does the business on the pitch, never moans, just does it. Brilliant.

What is your best footballing moment so far?

Probably getting promoted to the Premier League with Derby County, that was a fantastic day. That was brilliant.

What was your most embarrassing football moment?

Most embarrassing football moment was ... playing for England Under-19s, an international in Trinidad and I was playing centre-half at the time. I remember the ball was going out for the corner and I tried a bit of an elaborate bicycle-kick, went to overhead kick it and kicked the ball straight in my own face. I had to have the physio on for a nosebleed (laughs). That was quite embarrassing!

What car do you drive?

Since I moved to Cambridge I've got an Escort Diesel, purely for economy. Sensible driving I'm afraid!

What do you do to relax away from football?

Most of the time I spend with my family. I've got two small children, I enjoy that, but golf and occasionally fishing really. But golf mainly, my main passion.

Could you put up a set of shelves?

No problem. I could make them first, as well!

What's your favourite type of music?

I like dance music a lot, a bit of garage, but all sorts of music really.

Do you have any pre-match superstitions or rituals?

None. I don't believe in all that, I think that's all nonsense.

How do you like having Roy McFarland as a manager?

I've known Roy quite a long time actually, since I first signed for Derby at the age of 16, so he was one of the reasons why I came here to be honest. He's a good man.

The best thing about having Roy as a Manager?

I just think he knows me, knows me as a person. He's known me a long time. I've grown up with him really. He knows my good points but he also knows my weaknesses - I think there's more of those!

And the worst?

Probably ... he knows my weaknesses! (laughs)

Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far?

Let me think ... I've known a few good coaches along the way ... but my parents really, they were a big influence from an early age.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

The best bit of advice which I've ever received - which I wish I'd have taken, which I never and which I tell all the young lads at the club now - is to always work as hard as you can. It's a regret I've got in football is not working harder when I was younger.

I found it easy when I was younger, and as a consequence I regret that. I wish I'd have worked harder and I'm definitely telling that to the young lads here.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone hoping to become a professional footballer?

Work as hard as you can, from an early age, as long as you can.

What will you be doing in five years time?

In five years time I think I will - if I'm not still playing 'cause I'm still only young, don't forget! - I'll be a financial consultant.

So you've got your future planned out away from football already?

Yes, I have.

What's the best part of your game?

(thinks) I don't think I've got any outstanding quality. I think I'm OK at a few things. I don't think I could ever say "yeah I'm very good at that".

And the one area you would like to improve upon?

Oh, heading, crossing, left foot, tackling ... defending! (laughs)

Are you on the Internet? If so do you read the U's web sites?

I'm not on the Internet and I feel a bit ignorant towards it really. As I said earlier, I've got two small children, my youngest is nearly three and he's looking at the computer at nursery and things like that. I feel quite ignorant towards it so I shall try and rectify that, sooner rather than later. I'll need to.

Have you got a message for the world-wide fans on the Internet?

Just keep supporting us, even when we're as bad as you think we can be, we're still trying our best.

Supporters' Questions

Hannah Fothergill of Saffron Walden asks: How badly did the leaving of Martin Butler affect the squad and its morale?

Obviously Martin was an excellent, excellent striker, his goal record speaks for itself, but I think you'll find if you check Cambridge's record since he left we haven't done too bad. So on that side of it, yes, he's definitely going to be missed, but I think we've coped admirably without him.

'Crofty' asks: Having experienced football at different levels, how does playing for a smaller club like Cambridge compare to that of a larger club such as Derby County?

It's a little less high-profile, obviously, but I quite enjoy it actually. I like the fact that there's less players in the dressing room, it's the best dressing room I've ever been in, the best set of lads I've been with. Now whether that's because they're not really superstars, or ... nobody's really got an edge on them. I enjoy it, I like it.

Pete Evans of Cottenham asks on a similar subject: How do you feel about being part of a smaller, family-like set up as opposed to the bigger clubs you've been at? Is it just a job or do you think the atmosphere around a club can affect your mental and physical state and so have an effect on your game?

Yes I think that's true, it definitely does have an effect. If people around the place are a bit down, or on the back of a bad result the fans are a bit down, you can tell because they start niggling at you and things like that. But after a good result things change, they get behind you more. Yes, it definitely makes a difference.

Pete also asked: How much does something like the Steve Guinan incident effect the general atmosphere around the club?

It doesn't. No, it doesn't at all. That's a one-off incident, completely separate to what happens on the pitch. It's happened, it's gone.

S. Tipton asks two questions: Firstly, in your opinion which team(s) have caused United the most problems this year?

This year? I think ... Blackpool at home I found the most disappointing. I think on the day their front two performed very well. They were difficult to play against, Newell and ... the other striker evades me at the moment. But as for the best teams, there are no mugs really in this division. Although it's not the Premier League it's still a decent standard, and you don't play in this division if you don't know what you're doing.

And what would you consider as your most successful period/season/ or game as a player throughout your career?

Possibly at Wycombe Wanderers I was at my most consistent, before I went to Stoke. My first full season there I didn't miss a game, which was the first time I'd ever done that, through injury, or suspension, or being dropped or whatever. So I was quite pleased with that. But performance-wise, probably when I was still at Derby.

James Trott asks: What attracted you to Cambridge United?

Roy McFarland really, and the chance of regular first-team football provided I was performing.

Christopher Mason asks: If Roy offered you the number '2' shirt for next season, would you take it?

It means nothing to me, numbers. It's all to do with superstition and that, I think. No, it's Ben Chenery's shirt, he can keep it.

Nick Seaman (aged nine) asks: Do you worry when you are playing teams in the top five?

No, not at all. I think we've performed possibly better against the so-called better teams - you sort of raise your own game a bit. Everyone seems a little bit more up for it. I look forward to those games.

Robert Moss from North Wales and Tom from Melbourn both ask: Do you feel that the U's can stay up this season?

Oh without doubt, without a shadow of a doubt. I think we've proved that over the last two months or so with the results we've had, starting with the first away win. We've just gone from strength to strength since then. We've had a couple of blips, every side does, but in general I think we've performed well.

Nick from Norwich asks: How do the Cambridge fans compare with those of other clubs you've played with?

They're pretty good actually. I think the worst fans I've come across were the Stoke fans - very fickle. Although when I went there Stoke had gone through a bit of a bad time, they'd just slid down out of the play-off zone and they were sliding down the table, but the fans were terrible. Not towards me particularly, they were OK with me, but to some of the players they were horrible. Cambridge are not bad at all.

Will Jones of Cambridge asks: Who is the best player you have ever had to play against and why?

Oh there have been a few of those! I've had a few difficult players ... Niall Quinn, John Fashanu - an absolute beast of a player. But a technically gifted player, who I'd hate to play against every week, was Paul Walsh of Tottenham. Him and Gary Lineker up front. Although Gary Lineker took all the headlines, Paul Walsh was ... outstanding.

Andy C of the USA asks: How does the defence as a unit feel about conceding so many goals this season, especially late ones. Is it a case of individual errors, or are you guys learning to play together? (PS. keep up the good performances, it's great to see some more class in the side)

Oh wow ... thanks for that last comment (laughs) I'm not sure how many games he sees in America though!

You're never happy conceding any goals. Sometimes, if it's a good goal against you, you just have to hold your hands up and say "yes, well done", but a lot of times it does come down to individual errors. Either myself or somebody else. It's just one of those things. It's very similar me making a mistake and the winger scoring, to a striker missing a sitter. Same sort of thing really but reflected on differently.

Nick Pomery asks: From the dressing room perspective, what aspect of Cambridge United do you believe puts players off joining the club, and what aspect helps most to persuade them to join or stay?

Hmm, that's a good question. From a personal point of view it really was the manager, and also David Preece who I've known for quite a while, who persuaded me to join. It's a small club but ambitious club. They want good things to happen here, but from a player who's at a bigger club and looking to come here they may be put off by the facilities and things like that. But it depends on what you're used to and what kind of ambition you've got, whether you want to be playing regular first team football or ... a lot of factors really, financial positions ...

'Sooty' of Cambridge asks: When a new player joins the U's is there a standard way of induction into the team or are they left to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings?

They have to sing a song, that's what I had to do - which I hate 'cause I'm a tone deaf Brummie!

So what did you sing?

Fortunately I came in December so I got away with singing "Last Christmas" by George Michael, but it was awful! It was terrible. But there's a few good singers in there, and a few ... I'm bad, but there's a few really bad ones! But it's such a good club, the lads make it very easy for you to settle in here, it's really good. You're not left on your own, everyone takes hold of you and gets you involved.

The stick starts flying on your first day. Your clothes get hung up, you're just made a fool of, really. You settle in quite quickly.

Brian Rayner of Mildenhall asks: As you are somewhat new to the United team what do you think has caused and is still causing - the Wrexham defeat - the difficulties that we are suffering in defence, and what would 'cure' the team of this often fatal problem?

Umm .. buy four internationals? That would cure it, an international back four! None of us are Premier League defenders, that's why we're in the bottom of the second division. We just go out and try our best every day, sometimes it's just not good enough.

Is it down to changing the back four?

No, I don't think that's it, because everyone knows their job. Obviously, where you play you know what you're supposed to do and what you're not supposed to do.

Steve Kemp of Barnsley, North Yorks asks: Given the news from FIFA last week about the proposed break in the winter months what is your opinion on this?

From a personal point of view I wouldn't mind spending Christmas with the family and enjoying New Year's Eve, but unfortunately I can't see it happening because the period is such a busy time for clubs financially. Everyone's on holiday and Boxing Day and New Year's Day are traditionally very high attendance fixtures, and a lot of clubs need that to survive. I can't see it changing.

Steve also says: I personally believe that video evidence will come into place in the next couple of seasons to decide on contentious decisions. It has worked in Rugby League and I am a supporter of it. What's your opinion?

No, I don't agree with that. Yes it would stop certain things happening but I think it would slow the game down too much if you stopped it for every penalty decision and every dodgy free kick. It also adds to the controversy of the game, that's what makes it so good, that's why everyone's got such different opinions. Everyone sees different things. It's not black and white.

Pete Evans of Cottenham asks: Having played under Roy before at Derby, how similar is his management style here at Cambridge on a smaller budget. i.e bearing in mind that he is working with a cheaper squad, does he place more emphasis on motivation and team spirit as oppose to concocting complex strategies that might be lost on lower division players (no disrespect meant in any way!!)

It's very similar. Football really is not a difficult game, in a sense. You've got to just control the ball and try and pass it to your teammate, it's as simple as it gets really. As soon as you start to complicate it then I think that's where mistakes crop up.

You said "in a sense", then. Did you realise we all notice Roy saying "in a sense" and "without doubt" as he uses them a lot?

No (laughs) I didn't know that. I won't say that again!

Nick Pomery asks: Football seems to be becoming more and more stratified, with promoted clubs regularly going straight back down again. You've played for two of the 'second tier' clubs (Derby and Stoke) and now two of the more progressive minor clubs, in ourselves and Wycombe. Do you think we can compete effectively, or are the chances of another Wimbledon now zero?

I think without huge financial backing there' s not much chance of that, really. I think at the moment, out of the lower leagues, I'd say Rushden & Diamonds if they get promoted are one of the few clubs who could go onto big things, but still not to Wimbledon status. Fulham are potentially one of those sides who've come from the second to the first ... but, no, I can't see it.

Sam Smart of Cambridge asks: As a player on the pitch does it really make any difference whether or not you are being supported by the crowd? Can you hear any comments being shouted and do they have any impact on your performance? Should I continue to cheer for the U's?

Definitely, it makes a big difference. If you start getting negative things - shouts about you and the crowd start getting on your back - yes, it does. It increases your urgency sometimes, you try to do things too quickly and that's where mistakes crop up. Definitely, it's the same as anybody else, if Sam was at work and the people around her were telling her she was rubbish all day and start moaning at her, her work would suffer. It's the same in any industry really, so definitely keep cheering.

Dave Hawkins of Olney in Bucks asks: Most people would agree you've made the right back position your own, in contrast to the rest of the back four which has hardly been the most settled this season, for whatever reasons. What is your preferred line-up and why?

Ooh, nasty question! As long as I'm playing I don't care, that's the safe answer!

Kav makes his debut - picture © Copyright Neil Everitt

Pete Evans of Cottenham asks: Do you see yourself as a classic defending right-back, or as a modern wing-back?

I do enjoy the wing-back role to be honest, I played it at Derby and Stoke, also Wycombe, and I do enjoy that. But, as I said to the question before, as long as I'm playing I don't really care where I play.

Pete adds: With that in mind, do you prefer to be part of a team playing 4-3-3 or 4-4-2?

When I first came, the first game I played against Crystal Palace and the one after, we played 4-3-3 and I think I settled into that quicker than a 4-4-2. But I do, from a personal point of view, prefer a back five.

Pete finishes: With a full strength squad including Alex Russell, Tom Youngs, Trevor Benjamin, Neil Mustoe and now more recently John Hansen and Neil Mackenzie, which formation do you think suits United best? (And none of those, "Oh I leave that to the gaffer cos he knows best" type cop-outs.....!) ?

(laughs) I think possibly 4-3-3 because I think in a 4-4-2 it helps if you've got two wide midfield players or wide midfield/wingers. I don't believe we've got that at Cambridge. Whether we have and I haven't really seen them yet, I don't know, but I'm not sure if we've got that.

Zoe Steel of Cambridge asks: What has been the highlight of your career?

Getting to the Premiership with Derby, that was pretty good. A few times at Wembley, some with England ... an Anglo-Italian Cup final ... I've had a fairly dull career, haven't I?!

And the last question from Mark Slater of Stevenage, who asks: When you played for Wycombe did they have that annoying Indian chant over the tannoy for every corner they won? If so, what's it all about because there aren't many Indians in Wycombe!

No, that came the year after I left. I think it was that they were were on their way to ... I think it was an FA Cup fixture, and they saw this wooden Indian/totem pole in the window of a shop as they were on the coach. They had some kind of a laugh at it, and Terry Gibson - who was like Lawrie Sanchez's assistant at the time - went back after the game and bought this Indian as a sort of a good luck mascot. So that's what it started from.

My sincere thanks to Jason Kavanagh for sparing the time to give these answers, and to those of you who sent the questions. As I hope you can tell from his answers he is a personable, affable character and as U's Net's sponsored player he has agreed to answer fans' questions on a semi-regular basis in future.

If you have any comments about this feature, either for Jason Kavanagh or myself, please use this e-mail address: feedback@cambridgeunited.com