Martin Ling's sole addition to the squad this season, Brian Saah is delighted to be part of one of the meanest defences in the league.
"This is a good club and a big club that deserves to be in the Football League, and I want to do my best to try to get us back there," he says. "I played against Cambridge for Leyton Orient when I was about 17, so I knew a bit about the club before I spoke to the gaffer about coming here."
The Essex-born 22-year-old had spent the whole of his career at Orient until he was released by new O's boss Geraint Williams at the end of last season. Spotted playing Sunday League football at the age of 15, he joined the East London club as a schoolboy and earned a scholarship when he left school, making his first team debut at just 16.
"I was training with the first team on a regular basis and involved in the squads travelling to away games, and when there were a couple of injuries they showed enough faith to put me into the team," he says.
The manager who handed him his debut was Paul Brush and the assistant manager was Martin Ling, who was appointed O's boss soon afterwards: "The gaffer took over after my second game and since then I've worked under him, so it's good to be working with him again."
Brian started out as a central midfielder but it was in the centre of defence that he established himself as a regular. In all he started 82 League games in Leagues Two and One, plus 11 substitute appearances, and scored once.
"The gaffer did well with the players he brought in and the team he put together to get us promoted in 2006," says Brian. "I wasn't a big part of the side that got promoted but I feel I showed more of my qualities the following season, when I played a bigger part and we stayed in League One, so I was pleased with that.
"We were competing with clubs like Leeds United and we had a small budget after coming out of League Two so it was definitely an achievement to stay up in our first season."
Apart from the stature of some of the clubs in League One compared to the division below, the biggest difference he noticed was in the quality of the forwards he faced: "The front men and the wide players were a lot quicker and any mistakes you made seemed to get punished.
"The club itself didn't change much after promotion because the gaffer was in charge and at the time he was one of the longest-serving managers, so there was stability at the club and he had built it up the way he wanted it."
Following Ling's departure from Orient in January 2009, Saah was one of eight players released by the new manager at the end of his contract, and after pre-season trials with three League One sides he was reunited with his old boss at Cambridge United in the middle of August, making his debut at Tamworth on 22nd August.
"I hadn't experienced anything other than Leyton Orient Football Club on a professional level and it was disappointing to get released, but I felt it was probably time for a change anyway," he says. "Often as one door closes so another one opens and you get on with it, and I'm pleased to be here now."
Brian found himself as one of an increasing number of players each year who have to look for a new club, although there was no shortage of interest as pre-season trials followed at MK Dons, Southend United and Tranmere Rovers. The tightening of belts at most clubs has resulted in managers working with smaller squads, not least here at Cambridge United, but when Martin Ling was appointed as the new U's manager and identified a centre-half as his priority signing, Brian was not far from his thoughts.
"It's definitely getting harder for players to find clubs and I know of lads I was playing with who are still looking for a club. I went on trial to good, well-established clubs in League One but nothing worked out for me and I'm fortunate that the gaffer was monitoring my situation," he admits.
"He said that if I wanted to be playing football this would be a good environment for me, and I trust his judgement so I was happy to come here for a look and sign for Cambridge United.
"I know the way he works and he's known me since I was 15 so he knows the kind of person I am. The gaffer's a straightforward person who says it how it is, so once I knew he wanted me here then it played a part in my decision, although I already knew Cambridge United is a good football club.
"My first impressions are very positive because the attendance that we get for our games is very pleasing. Obviously everyone wants to play for a good club with good support and they make themselves heard and get right behind us, home and away. That helps the lads, especially when the team needs a bit of a lift and we can hear the crowd shouting and cheering us on.
"This is my first time at a new club but the fans seem to appreciate the way I go about my business and I'm very grateful for that; it's a very nice feeling."
Having played in six games, with just one goal conceded in those games, Brian has been pleasantly surprised at the standard of football in the Conference: "Players in the Football League have their own impressions of the Conference but since I've been here I can say it's a decent level and it's a lot harder than some people expect and give credit for.
"No league is easy and you have to be at your best for every game and prepare for matches exactly the same way as you would in the League."
Asked to describe himself as a player, the personable Saah makes it clear that he is a team player who will give his all to achieve success here.
"First and foremost I'm a hard-working person and I want to enjoy my football and give the fans what they want to see, which is a team that works hard and wins football matches. That's what I want to be a part of, and I can only do that with my defensive qualities and organisational skills and being a team player to help the people around me.
"I definitely should have scored on my debut at Tamworth and hopefully I'll be able to weigh in with a few goals too to help the boys."
While Brian has spent the last two seasons helping Leyton Orient to survive in League One, United have reached the last two Play-off finals but fallen at the final hurdle and he is keen to help the club be successful this season.
"Speaking to the lads, they're obviously disappointed at missing out on promotion but the main nucleus of the team from last season is still here and they have the experience and know what it takes to get into the play-offs and push for promotion.
"So with that, plus the gaffer's experience and what he brings to the table, I feel there's a good opportunity for the team to do something this year. It's just up to the players to knuckle down and work hard and get the results, and then see where it takes us."
Summing up his aims for the future, Brian concludes, "I'm enjoying my football and I've seen the standard of the players here and the potential of the club. I think the club deserves to be back in the Football League and it's my aim to help us do that."
--- 20 Questions ---
What person has had the most positive influence on your career so far?
My Dad - he always made sure I got to training when I was young and supported me.
Who's the best Captain you have played with?
John Mackie - when I first started playing regularly at Orient he was my partner in the centre of defence and he led by example.
The best player you've played with and against?
'With' would be Matt Lockwood, a left-back with great quality on the ball and a good talker on the pitch. 'Against' would be Jermaine Beckford of Leeds, because he's quick and always keeps you on your toes.
What player/team did you admire growing up and why?
I supported Tottenham when I was growing up, and the players I admired were Jurgen Klinsmann and, in later years, Ledley King.
What's the funniest terrace chant you've ever heard?
I like the one the fans have for Danny Crow - that always puts a smile on my face.
Are there any other sports at which you might have gone on to make it as a professional?
I was an all-rounder at most sports from basketball to rugby to cricket, but football was always my best sport.
Your top three sportsmen/women of all time?
Michael Jordan, Mohammad Ali and Tiger Woods.
What's your favourite meal and drink?
Spaghetti Bolognese and a cuppa tea.
What was the last album you bought?
Kayne West
What was the last film you went to see?
The Borat follow-up, Bruno
What car do you drive?
An Audi A3
Where is the furthest you have travelled to on holiday?
Las Vegas
In training, does anyone fancy themselves in a completely different position to their normal matchday role?
Pottsy definitely fancies himself as an outfield player in any position where he could get on the ball.
Out of all the players you have played with, who has/had the worst sense of style?
Jai Reason has questionable style - it's definitely an acquired taste!
Which Cambridge United player would you least like to be stuck in a lift with, and why?
Parky - we haven't got much in common!
Which United player past or present would you 'set up' for a 'Beadle's About' stunt, and what would it entail?
Danny Crow. I'm not sure exactly how I'd stitch him up, although it would have to include a girl maybe, but I think his reaction would be good TV.
Where is the best place on Earth, and why?
In my house on a Saturday night after we've kept a clean sheet and won three points.
What is the one piece of advice you would give a young player?
Never give up because there are always going to be obstacles and they're sometimes a test to see how far you're willing to push yourself and how strong a character you are.
What's the very best thing about football?
It's something I loved watching as a kid on TV and playing with my friends in the park, and to be able to do that to earn a living is something I feel very privileged to do.
Andrea Thrussell
web@cambridge-united.co.uk
This interview was also published in the programme for the match against Wrexham on Saturday 19th September 2009.
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