Paul Digby is keen to give Harrison Dunk the ‘best send off’ by ensuring that Cambridge United remain a Sky Bet League One club after tomorrow’s clash at Port Vale.
It was announced earlier this week that Dunk is to leave the Cledara Abbey Stadium after Saturday’s season-ending encounter against already-relegated Vale – bringing an end to his 13-year association with the club.
The popular 33-year-old has been part of some memorable moments during that time, including two promotions that has seen the U’s rise from non-league to the third tier of English football.
Avoiding defeat at Vale Park will get the job done and while injury will prevent his team-mate and friend from playing a part in proceedings, Digby is determined that Dunk will move on with the club still residing in League One.
He said: “The whole time I’ve been here, I’ve driven in every day with Harrison. I’ve become close with him as a friend.
“It’s difficult for me and everyone else (to see Dunk leave), but we want to give him the best send off possible because we know how much the club means to him.
“He’s helped me personally a lot throughout the last few years and he’s been great around the club and the dressing room the last year, even though he’s not played as much as he’d have liked.
“Like I say, we’re all dying to give him the best send off we possibly can because he does mean a lot to the club obviously, but the dressing room as well. His voice is so important to us all (in there).”
United head to Vale on the back of Tuesday evening’s 1-1 draw with Wycombe Wanderers.
Gassan Ahadme’s second-half header had Garry Monk’s side just nine minutes away from confirming safety that night, but they ultimately had to settle for a share of the spoils following Luke Leahy’s penalty.
But despite the disappointment of being pegged back late on, Digby has insisted that the mood within the squad remains upbeat.
The midfielder added: “The mood is positive and confident, as it always has been.
“It was a tough one to take the other night. I thought we played well and dealt with the adversity of people having to fit into different positions.
“We wanted to get the job done but football is not always a straight line – you have twists and turns.
“We’re prepared for what is to come at the weekend. There’s a good mood in the camp and everyone is looking forward to the challenge.”
