Paul Carden returned to Cambridge United on 23rd June 2008 following a successful loan spell for the second half of the previous season, which ended in Play-off Final defeat to Exeter at Wembley.

The midfielder had another year remaining of his contract at Accrington Stanley, but when Jimmy Quinn left Cambridge by mutual consent on 15th June and Gary Brabin was appointed as his replacement eight days later, he brought with him old friend Paul Carden as his player-assistant manager.

'Cards' was Brabin's apprentice and 'boot boy' when they were at Blackpool and also played alongside him at Chester City, and they have stayed good friends ever since.  Initially the 29-year-old will concentrate mainly on playing, with Brabin describing him as "consistently the best midfielder at this level for the last few years", but he will also take extra training sessions with the club's younger players to help them develop their skills.

Andrea Thrussell
June 2008