Carden initially joined the U' on loan from Accrington in 2007

Cambridge United assistant Paul Carden has admitted to feeling uncomfortable with linking up with his third manager at the Abbey Stadium.

Carden, 31, took up the player-assistant manager role in June 2008 when Gary Brabin joined the club.

He has since worked with Martin Ling and current temporary boss Jez George.

"To be assistant to a third manager, it doesn't sit well with me because it means something hasn't gone right," he told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

"When you've got your name to it, and you're seen to be part of it, it's not nice but it is what it is.

"I'm employed by the club to keep trying my best and that's all I'll keep doing until someone says otherwise."

I feel I'm a lot more equipped now I've done two-and-a-half years as assistant Cambridge player-assistant manager Paul Carden

Carden, who has had two stints as caretaker manager at the U's, has remained in his role despite Ling being sacked at the beginning of February after a poor run of form.

Director of football George has ruled out taking the job on permanently and midfielder Carden has remained cautious on his chances of taking the position in the summer.

"There's a lot of things going on at the club that will dictate what happens to the manager's job," he said.

"Firstly, Jez is in the hot seat, if he does well then he'll be the first person asked.

"If new owners come in, they might want their own person to run the team.

"I feel I'm a lot more equipped now I've done two-and-a-half years as assistant.

"I've been part of the management when the club's finished second in the league, and part of it when the club's been second from bottom.

"But there's a lot of twists and turns that will happen before that question, if it's ever put to me, can be answered."

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