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An interview conducted by Andrew McCarten with Cambridge United manager Gary Brabin.

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After going down in heartbreaking fashion 1-0 to Exeter City in the playoff final last year, what were the goals you set for the team this season, your first as manager?

 

Rebuild confidence in players I had inherited and replace players that left.

 

What did preseason friendlies against Premiership sides Everton and West Ham, as well as Championship outfit Coventry City, tell you about your squad’s caliber this year?

 

It helped us with our style of play as to how we want to play football and it people belief in our system.

 

Do you think being one of the younger managers in football, and a former player, makes it easier to relate to your players?

 

Yes definitely I think this day and age is a young man’s game.

 

So far this season the Conference looks like it will be very tight come end of the season. How confident are you that the U’s will go up, and into the Football League, this season?

 

I’m confident that we are good enough to go up and hope to continue getting the backing and support from all at the club to achieve that goal.

 

How much of an emphasis would you say you place on the domestic cups?

 

We would have liked to progress in them however our main concentration now is the league.

 

Chris Jones, on loan from Swansea City, and a Wales U17,U19,and U21 international at just 19 seems to be highly rated in Welsh footballing circles. What do you make of him, and what progress do you think he has made so far this year?

 

I think he is a good player, with a bright future and someone I have watched for years. It has been a good experience for him to come here to help develop his future.

 

Since you’ve experienced both, what would you say is more gratifying; winning a match as a player or manager?

 

As a manager – as a player its just preparation for a game for one person, where as a manager you are focusing on the whole squad for preparation.

 

How would you appraise Cambridge United’s fan support? Does the high attendance rate in comparison to the rest of the league give the lads a boost for home matches?

 

The away support at the Club is amazing; you can always hear the fans singing throughout the whole 90 minutes, which is a massive lift to the players when we are away from home. The home attendance is great too as the Clubs marketing initiatives to get people in allow for 3 sides of the stadium to be filled with Cambridge supporters which is a definite help in terms of atmosphere.

 

 

 

What did you learn about being a manager while during your term at former club Southport?

 

I was only there a short period of time but in football you are learning every day – so I couldn’t say there was anything specific that I learnt whilst I was there.

 

As a player, what do you think the highlight of your career was?

 

There are too many too mention, but I did get man of the match at Wembley, the Milleniunm stadium and Anfield.

 

Describe your experiences with the England C team.

 

It was a real honor and I was really proud to represent my country.

 

As a manager, who would you say you try to style yourself after?

 

I look a bit like Jose Mourinho but I tend to try and be my own man!

 

Who would you say is the best player you’ve ever played with? Against?

 

Paul Carden to both – as he is my best friend and Assistant Manager, so I’ve got to answer that!

 

In your opinion, what is the best goal/celebration you’ve ever had?

 

Probably when I was playing for Hull City vs Scarborough, I scored against them to keep Hull in the football league. The celebration seemed to last forever with all the supporters on the pitch with us.

 

Finally, what do you hope to accomplish with Cambridge United in your tenure as manager of the club?

 

To build a good reputation of doing the right things in football, producing raw talent and hopefully promotion.

 

 

- Andrew McCarten