‘He’s a wily character’ – Cambridge boss Derry on Mansfield’s Evans

(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)

By Alex Beard

One of the marquee match-ups in League Two this weekend sees promotion contenders Cambridge United travel to face fellow third tier hopefuls Mansfield Town.

The game at Field Mill also pits two of the divisions largest characters against one another, as Shaun Derry prepares his U’s side to take on Steve Evans‘ Stags.

And while the Mansfield boss has been very complimentary of Derry’s men in the build-up to this encounter, the Cambridge man is refusing to get involved in any mind games with his opposite number.

“He’s a wily character, he really is,” Derry told Chad.

“Steve has been around the game for a lot of years at different levels and he knows how to influence and that’s part of his management skills and I’m absolutely happy with that.

“I’ve got no bad words to say about that but for me I just concentrate on me, concentrate on my game plan and concentrate on the game and I try not to get involved on anything that happens on the side-lines.

“Mansfield have been very well documented that they’ve got new money that’s come into the group and they’ve spent it with Steve at the helm – Steve’s recruited strongly over the summer.

“He’s had a budget up there that allows him to get the best, not just of League Two players but he’s recruited at a higher level as well.

“I think Steve’s referenced us in his presser this week to say we’re a good team and I think we are ourselves. But I think Mansfield are a good team as well.

“They’re one of the favourites to get promoted and if we’re going to keep this run going we’re going to have to keep on top of our game on Saturday.”

Both teams will be looking to underline their promotion credentials – and keep pace with leaders Exeter – when they face off at Field Mill on Saturday.