First team assistant head coach Gary Waddock faced the media this morning ahead of Cambridge United’s FA Cup Second Round tie against Exeter City on Saturday…
On a busy schedule:
“It has been a really heavy schedule that we have been through, and the players have all played their part. The good thing is that every member of the squad has had some game time and it is important now, going into the Christmas and New Year programme, that everybody is up to speed and can be called upon when needed.
“We are not looking to have a replay in the next batch of games, that is for sure. So if we can get it done and dusted at the weekend that would be good, but we know we are coming up against tough opposition as well.”
On Exeter:
“We know how good they are you from last season; they are good outfit and obviously this year they are in good form as well. It is a tough opponent that we are up against, but we are going into the game looking to try and get through.
“Matt [Taylor] and his backroom staff have done an excellent job, they develop players along the way as well but also pick up results, so credit to them and we know we are in for a tough afternoon come Saturday.
“They have done the same for a number of years, going back, they develop players who have gone on to do well at much bigger clubs, but they have been able to keep the results going as well as remaining at the right end of the table.”
Team news:
“The game will come too soon for Lloyd [Jones]. He has been out for a period of time so needs more work on the training ground. It is frustrating because he just wants to play games.
“We have had to shuffle around at the back a little bit in his absence, Jack [Iredale] has gone in the centre and Harrison [Dunk] has come in at left back so it is a credit to all the players to get the performances, but as soon as Lloyd is back that gives us extra competition, so that would be better for Mark [Bonner] in terms of his team selection.
“Shilow [Tracey] is getting closer to being 100% fit, it was nice for him to come off the bench and score on Tuesday, but we do not want to rush him, or any of the players because we have not got the biggest squad in the world.”