Paul Carden last night agreed a new three-year-contract as player-assistant manager, committing himself to Cambridge United to June 2012.

After close friend and manager Gary Brabin left the club last week there was a question mark over whether Paul would feel able to continue in his role as player-assistant manager, but after discussions with the board he agreed the new deal yesterday (Wednesday) evening.

"To lose the manager was a disappointment, and I think most people at the club will admit that, but I'm settled in the club and I've spoken to Gary about it and he thinks this is a fantastic opportunity for me," he told cambridgeunited.com.

"It means I can stay settled where I'm enjoying my football and where I've had as good a season as any last season.

"This will give me the chance to kick on as a player while developing as an assistant manager and coach, and while I'm not looking to be a manager straightaway, I do want to learn my job and hopefully this opportunity will help me become a manager eventually too," he added.

Having moved to Cambridgeshire last year with his wife and 18-month-old son, Paul is delighted that they can remain settled as a family, too.

"We've all settled well in the area and to uproot them again would have been a big thing, but I have really enjoyed my time here. There have been a lot more highs than lows and I want to push on now with a new manager and work towards another successful season.

"Hopefully this season we can go one better and gain promotion."

[Carden Commits Future to U's]

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