Departing Town defender Mark Venus says U's manager John Taylor's impressive ideas were partly behind his switch to the Abbey Stadium. Venus has shaken hands on a deal and now only needs to pass a medical to complete the move.

The 36-year-old says isn't planning on quitting the game soon despite his age: "I want to carry on playing for a while, and to enjoy myself.

"Why Cambridge? Because I've had a look at the set-up and I was impressed with the manager.

"I like John Taylor's ideas, and the fact that Cambridge are a footballing side with a lot of promising young players.

"There's no way I'll be going through the motions, although that will be up to the supporters to decide when they see me play.

"I don't think the medical will be a problem. I had a knee operation last season, but so have a lot of players, and I haven't had any trouble with it."

Taylor says he sees Venus as a big help to his inexperienced side: "This is a huge signing for us. Mark will be able to organise the defence and help our young players which has been our greatest need. He's a proven, quality, experienced player.

"We have three other defenders who can play at centre-back - Stev Angus, Andy Duncan and Warren Goodhind - and we'll have to work out the best combination. I wouldn't say there's a favourite at the moment to play alongside Mark.

"He's come here because he wants to play. That's the important thing, and we haven't broken the bank to sign him. Having said that, after taking on Justin Walker as well, I would probably have to wheel and deal to bring in anybody else before the start of the season, although we do need another wide player."

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