The new season moved another stage closer this morning with the release of the fixture list, but the first Blue Square Premier game is still over five weeks away and U's manager Gary Brabin is firmly focused on pre-season training, which begins on Friday.

"When the fixture list comes out there are always dates you look out for, like the derby games and the holiday games and who you've got on the first game of the season, but first and foremost we just can't wait to get up and running with pre-season," he told cambridgeunited.com.

"We want to start getting our fitness ready, get amongst the lads and start preparing for that first game."

Brabin will start the season without Michael Morrison, who was sold to Leicester City earlier this week, and he admitted that he is sorry not to have had the chance to work with the big defender.

"I was looking forward to working with Michael. I've seen him on a few occasions and I'm not surprised clubs have been in for him," he said. "The timing is probably bad for me because I haven't worked with him yet but I wish the lad all the best.

"It was a great deal for him and the club, and I thought it was great that the club didn't stand in his way. The decision had my 100% backing and I wish the lad all the best."

The new manager and assistant Paul Carden have spent the last few days in and around the club, getting to know the staff, checking out the training locations and facilities, and preparing for the players' return.

"Paul's been showing me around so I know what I've got to work with, and everything will be set up and in place for the lads on Friday," Brabin confirmed.

"We'll be getting everyone together and they'll be getting to know the new faces, we'll be seeing where they are fitness-wise and I'll be assessing them as players and as people, and of course they'll be getting to know their new manager."

On his plans for pre-season training, Brabin explained, "It will be a good mix of fitness work and ball work. Obviously this time of the season is very important for fitness but I want to make it so they enjoy coming in for work every day - working hard but enjoying themselves."

Following yesterday's signature of left-back Anthony Tonkin, Brabin expects to secure at least one more player before Friday and you'll get the news first on the official SMS news service, and full details and comment here on the club website. Text CLUB CAMB NEWS to 88442 to make sure you get that text with the news!

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