Garry Monk: Cambridge United boss looking for 'strong finish' to season

Garry Monk was appointed by Cambridge on a deal to run until 2026

Cambridge United boss Garry Monk is confident his side have what it takes to secure their League One status over the final three games of the season.

The U's lost 1-0 at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday but need a maximum of five points to be safe.

Last season, they only survived on the final day of the campaign under Mark Bonner by beating Forest Green 2-0.

"We don't only want to get the points and be safe, we want to finish strong and show what we can do," said Monk.

"Looking at the last five performances, overall across the five, you can see the level has gone right up, the mentality and everything about it.

"We'll continue that in the remaining three games, I'm sure about that. If just get the rub of the green in the right moments, and take those opportunities, we'll be fine."

Monk was appointed as head coach last month following Neil Harris' departure to Millwall.

After starting out under the former Sheffield Wednesday boss with a 1-1 draw against Northampton, they conceded 10 goals in his next two games, but have stabilised since then, taking seven points from the past five.

On the defeat by Rovers, he told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "There was a similar pattern that we need to address - in the first half, not that it was bad or anything, there were a couple of things we weren't getting to grips with, especially in defence.

"Second half, it looked so comfortable from a defensive point of view, much better, we were aggressive in the moments we needed to be, and I just couldn't see them scoring.

"Unfortunately, the one opportunity they got in the second half it goes in. We feel aggrieved with the result, but it is what it is."

Monk gave a first-team debut to George Hoddle, whose father is a cousin of former England manager Glenn, as an 81st-minute substitute against Rovers.

"He did fantastic, it was great experience for him. It's the start of his career and we see a lot of potential in George," he told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

"There's a lot of work (for him) to do, like some of the other young lads but I'm more than happy for those guys to be on the pitch."