Brabin wants a squad to match his ambitions for promotion

Cambridge United boss Gary Brabin says he has not issued the club's board with an ultimatum over extra transfer funds.

Brabin called on the board to back him in the transfer market following Wednesday's 5-0 mauling against Crawley in the FA Trophy.

The U's boss told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "I just wanted to make it clear that we all need to be pulling in the same direction.

"I'm not a quitter, I'm just very disappointed with the defeat."

Top scorer Lee McEvilly was allowed the leave the club on the understanding Scott Rendell would be remaining on loan.

With Rendell having returned to Peterborough, the U's have been left short of a target man forward.

But with the club looking to cut costs in the current economic downturn, Brabin insists that he will carry on with whatever resources are made available.

"I'll be battling with the board all the way to try and improve the squad, but equally they'll be putting their point across that the long-term future of the club is more important," he said.

"As long as we all understand that - supporters, board, management, players - there's not a problem."

Two of the U's major summer signings - Courtney Pitt and Anthony Parkinson - have spent most of the season out through injury, whilst others such as Jon Challinor and Danny Crow have struggled to make an impact.

Nevertheless Brabin's side are well placed in the Blue Square Premier table, and have every chance of making the end of season play-offs.

"I want us to be a top six side, pushing for promotion which at the moment we are achieving," he said.

"If we win on Saturday we could go third in the league, so it's not all doom and gloom."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version