Summer signing Justin Walker has been an integral part of the side during the pre-season games, culminating with his appointment as vice-captain last week.

The Nottingham-born 27-year-old was unveiled as John Taylor's first signing of the close season and he has quickly settled into life at Cambridge United, saying, "I've enjoyed it from day one, the lads have made me very welcome and it's been easy to fit in."

Justin started out as a trainee with Nottingham Forest and was there for six years before moving on to Scunthorpe, initially on loan as a 21-year-old and then permanently for three seasons, during which time he made 127 league appearances.

After Scunthorpe came two seasons at Lincoln City, where he played alongside Terry Fleming and Stuart Bimson, and then a disappointing season at Exeter, which culminated in relegation in May.

Then came the news that John Taylor wanted to sign him.

"There were a couple of other things that came about in the summer but when I spoke to John Taylor he made it obvious that he wanted me here and I was going to be part of his plans," he explains.

"I was still under contract at Exeter but I managed to sort one or two things out and I'm happy to be here. Everything's gone well so far and I'm just looking forward to the season now."

Looking back on an eventful season with Exeter, he says, "It was very disappointing last season. We had a hard time - it's not a hard luck story and it's down to the players at the end of the day - but we had three managers and we didn't have the same team for 23 games on the bounce, so we didn't really have a great opportunity and a run to get a team going, then in the end it was too much too late.

"I'm disappointed about last year so I'm pleased to be playing in the league again."

Reminded of the incident at Exeter last season, when his tackle on Shane Tudor sparked a late fracas in which three players were sent off - although ironically Justin himself escaped punishment - the midfielder admits, "It was one of those 'red mist' occasions.

"We'd been having a bad time of it. It wasn't the answer, I know that, but it was a one off thing and unfortunately it's the way things happen in life that by coincidence you end up at the team where it happened.

"One or two of the lads mentioned it early doors, and me and Tudes had a laugh about it after three days when he was talking to me. He didn't say much to me for a couple of days - just scowled at me! - but we're OK about it now and we're all looking forward to the season.

"The boys are ready, we've worked hard in pre-season and we're looking forward to getting the games under way now."

Justin scored two fine goals during the pre-season campaign and has scored goals wherever he has played, including five in the league for relegated Exeter last season, and he adds, "It's always nice to get on the scoresheet but as long as the team's winning that's all that matters.

"I know Kits got a hatful of goals last season but it's important for the rest of the lads to chip in and take the load off him."

Asked about his role in the side this season, and the experimentation with a lone striker during pre-season, the midfielder comments, "The manager recognised me as one of the players that he thought might fit into the system that he had in mind and we've worked with it through pre-season, but it's early days.

"There are two more new signings other than me and we're getting used to each other, but we've got some very talented players at the club and I'm sure once everyone's started to click fully we'll be fine.

"I think everything's very positive. You could see from last year that Cambridge were a very good footballing team.

"Injuries and suspensions get into the depth of your squad but we've got some good young players and they're a season further on now and better equipped as a squad, so we've got to be positive about what we can achieve."

On his fellow new signings, the experienced pair of Mark Venus and Stuart Bimson, Justin adds, "'Veno' came at almost the same time as me and he brings a wealth of experience from the highest level.

"'Bimmo' also brings a lot of experience, and it's going to be important throughout the season to call on that because we've got a lot of young players. It's important that we all play our part."

Looking ahead, he believes that the teams relegated from Division Two last season will be among the front-runners this season, but cautions, "It's hard to call because you always get a few surprises, but we've got to make sure we keep our own house in order and do the best we can."

Closing with a few words about tonight's game, he says, "I know a couple of the lads who are playing at Gillingham so it will be nice to see some old faces. The league is our bread and butter but it's going to help us see where we are, by playing against first division opposition."

"The Quick Fire Round"

If you were on 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' and had to phone a friend, which teammate would you choose?

Terry Fleming, he's a man of the world.

Favourite holiday destination, and describe why in one word.

Maui in Hawaii. Relaxed.

If you weren't a footballer, what would your job be now?

I'd probably be a white van man.

Who do you go to for financial advice?

An accountant.

What will you be doing in ten years' time?

Probably traveling with a rucksack on my back.

Who is your best mate in the squad?

Terry Fleming.

Who has the best dress sense in the squad?

We haven't had a night out yet so I've only seen their training kit so far.

And who has the worst?

Lloyd Opara - he looks like someone who works in Burger King!

In a film of your life story who would you want to play you and why?

Frank Spencer, for comedy value.

Porsche or Ferrari?

Ferrari.

Indian or Chinese?

Chinese.

Beer or lager?

Lager.

Boxers or briefs?

Neither!!

If you were given tickets for a gig, who would you want to see and why?

Sting - he's someone I've always wanted to see.

Three words your teammates might use to describe you?

It's probably too soon for them to pick just three! I'd be interested to know, though.

You can hear an extended version of Justin's interview on our U's World multimedia website, where other recent interviews include Daniel Chillingworth, a preview of the new season from John Taylor, and an update from Chairman Gary Harwood.

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