Win helps Harris 'build bridges' after Cambridge return

Neil Harris congratulates Josh Stokes following his two goals against Stockport

Neil Harris offered "no promises" as to what Cambridge United can achieve for the rest of the season after beginning his second spell as boss with a crucial win.

The U's ended a five-match winless run by beating Stockport County 2-0 but they remain bottom of League One, eight points from safety, with just 14 games to play.

In an unusual, perhaps unprecedented move, Cambridge replaced Garry Monk, who left on 16 February, with his two immediate predecessors - Harris as head coach and Mark Bonner as director of football.

"I asked for a clean sheet mentality and a first goal mentality - that equals a winning mentality from my teams and we had that, it was a group mentality," Harris told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire following the game.

"I've got to build some bridges with some people who were hurt when I left (for Millwall last year) and I've shown my commitment by coming back in a difficult moment to help.

"There's no promises for what we can achieve, all we've done is show a little bit of belief, give everyone a bit of confidence and I want to be here to help Bonns and the board to build the foundations moving forwards."

Harris began his first spell as Cambridge head coach in December 2023 with a 2-2 draw at Charlton, but was only at the club for 14 games - winning five of them - before moving to Millwall.

And he hailed an "amazing effort" by the team in giving him a winning start second time around, with Josh Stokes scoring both goals.

"To put in that level of performance, the attitude of the lads, the desire - the information they took on in the last 24-36 hours has been immense, so obviously I'm pleased, but it isn't about being pleased for myself, it's about me being pleased for the changing room, for the board, and also for the fanbase," said Harris.

"I've just got to get the best out of the players that are available for selection and give them the belief and the confidence. We've got to win games of football to have any hope.

"Individually the players were outstanding, every player's attributes showed. Qualities and deficiencies - I understand what they are. It helps that I was in the building with some of them 12 months ago and they know what to expect.

"Sometimes you just come in with different demands and standards, maybe a different mindset, Garry was different to me, me different to Garry again, and you just try and get your points across."

Team and tactical changes made by Harris and his coaching team paid off, including the restoration of Liam Bennett in defence and Ryan Loft used as a lone striker.

"There were a couple of tight calls - obviously I put Liam Bennett back in at right-back because I think he's an important player. He's loved by the fans for the way he plays the game. I was pleased for him to contribute to the first goal and defend so well.

"It was a tight call in the middle of the park with Paul Digby but I thought it was going to be a game that suited him," Harris explained.

"Ryan is going to be a real focal point for us, Dan Nlundulu when he's fit as well. There's a lot of work to do with Ryan Loft and really help him as a player but he showed the raw, basic attributes that a Cambridge number nine needs."

He added: "We just felt it was important to try and make an impact, and do something slightly different from what has been the norm, so people see a bit of change."

Cambridge have seven games to play in March, starting with a trip to Crawley Town - who are two places and three points above them - on Saturday.

Their busy schedule also includes a home derby against Peterborough United, who are just above the relegations places, on 15 March.