Andy Pugh

Striker relishing full-time move

AFTER a spell playing part-time football, Cambridge United new-boy Andy Pugh is delighted to be back in the full-time game.

The 22-year-old striker completed his £15,000 move from Welling United yesterday, and could go straight into the squad for United’s match against Tamworth on Saturday.

Pugh joined the Wings after being released by Gillingham in 2010, but is now ready to make the step up again after scoring 33 goals in 18 months with the Blue Square Bet South side.

He said: “Just being full-time and being around the training ground is great, I’m used to training at night under floodlights on astroturf. “If I was going to leave Welling it needed to be to go full-time so I’m really pleased to be here.

“When I first got my pro contract at Gillingham I was really happy but it sort of fizzled out after that. I had to drop down to part-time football with Welling and I’ve really enjoyed it, but it’s great to be back in the full-time game.”

The transfer was delayed by two weeks after Pugh picked up a knee injury playing for Welling against Dartford earlier this month.

“It was bound to happen,” he said. “I didn’t not want to play for Welling but maybe it would have been better if I hadn’t so I was fit to complete the move.

“The jump from part-time to full-time is going to be tough, but I’d like to hit the ground running if I can and I’m looking forward to getting going. I’m not fully fit because I haven’t trained for three weeks, but I’d like to play some part on Saturday, though that’s obviously the manager’s decision.”

Pugh has previous experience in the Blue Square Bet Premier after loan spells with Grays Athletic and United’s neighbours Híston. He first came to the attention of U’s supporters when he scored against United at the R Costings Abbey Stadium in March 2010, his only goal for the Stutes.

“I didn’t really enjoy the month I had at Híston, it was a tough spell in my career,” he said. “But the atmosphere was really good that day and to get a goal was pleasing.

“The team’s in good shape at the moment. Jez wants a hard-working side that plays with pace and energy, and hopefully I can add to that and it would be nice to get into the play-offs.”