Joe Dunne could turn to youthful enthusiasm

The under-performing U’s might be in a relegation dog-fight, at the wrong end of the League One, but that doesn’t mean Dunne is going to stick with experience.

Instead, the Irishman could give the likes of Drey Wright and Alex Gilbey a bigger role to play, as the U’s bid to halt a miserable run of six defeats in seven matches.

Both winger Wright and midfielder Gilbey caught the eye, as second-half substitutes, during a deeply depressing 2-0 home defeat to Oldham Athletic on Saturday.

And while Dunne has been very critical of his team, in terms of leadership qualities, individual errors and even a lack of hunger, he would have no hesitation in turning to some of his teenage professionals.

“A positive for Saturday was that young Drey Wright and Alex Gilbey had a real good go,” enthused Dunne.

“These two young players who came on, have a hunger for the game. I still believe in what I am trying to do at this football club, but I want more hunger. I want a team full of hungry players, because a team of hungry players would not have lost to Oldham.

“When you are down the bottom of the league, you don’t get the luck, you don’t get the referring decision, and balls flash across the box and don’t go for you.

“The easiest thing is too feel sorry for yourselves. But I thought we looked more of a threat when the youngsters came on, with Drey (Wright) flying down the wing.

“We got in more then, but the game was passed us by that stage.

“So what have we got to lose, by putting these youngsters in? They can be just as good, or just as bad, as everyone else, on their day.

“That’s the way the club wants to go forward. I wish there had been better circumstances, but I thought they were positive when they came on,” added Dunne.