Cambridge United head coach Garry Monk reveals there is ‘nothing imminent’ in his bid to make new signings
Garry Monk has revealed that he is not currently particularly close to adding to his Cambridge United squad.
The U’s head coach has made no secret of his desire to bolster his options further before the transfer window closes at the end of the month – especially in the attacking part of the pitch.
However, with the market slower than normal at the very top of the game following a summer of international tournaments, Monk believes that it is filtering down the pyramid.
“There’s nothing imminent – it’s difficult at the moment and hopefully it loosens up,” he said.
“There’s been a knock-on effect with the Premier League clubs coming back a lot later this year because of the Euros and the other international tournaments. They take all their youngsters away on tours and don’t release anyone, so the Championship (clubs) won’t release anyone because they’re waiting for the Premier League (clubs) to start releasing.
“It’s been quite a delayed process if you’re looking for loans, but we do have the opportunity to sign permanent or do loans.
“I’ve been in this situation before where you feel desperate, but you then make mistakes because you bring someone in who can do a job for you in that moment but is probably not the right one for the longer term.
“We’re working really hard and we’ve gone after players all summer – even last week. But it’s not always just about who we want, it’s about them wanting to come and also where they’re at. There’s a lot of things in the mix that need to go right.”
And Monk has also opened up on how tough it has been to attract players without a club.
The number of free agents still available was highlighted by two friendly matches put on by the PFA last week for players still looking to secure a deal, which included the likes of Ravel Morrison, Todd Kane and Ciaran Clark.
“Especially for lads out of contract, it used to be that right at the start of the summer you wanted to know what you were doing next year, get that sorted and then go away and enjoy your summer,” added Monk.
“But this year the attitude is ‘I’ll go away and sort that out when I come back’ and for out of contract players that’s brave.
“That’s across the board – maybe it’s a generational thing and maybe they’re just comfortable in that situation. I guess they feel comfortable but I’ve seen plenty not get what they thought they would get – and they’ve still not got it. It’s a very dangerous game to play, but I’m talking in general there.
“For us in terms of the markets we’re in, we can’t afford to not look at anything that’s possible for us. We’ve had ones that have nearly committed to it and the last minute we’ve been gazumped and others we’ve chased for a long time.
“And we’ve had others where we’ve done the due diligence, got them over the line and they’re in building. You never quite know until their stood in front of you.”
