GREG Abbott's close bond with Cambridge will remain whatever the score at Valley Parade tomorrow.

City's chief scout is in daily contact with his opposite number at the League Two club and thinks the world of boss Shaun Derry.

Abbott worked as Derry's number two at Notts County and later followed him to Cambridge as recruitment head before the chance arose to return to the Bantams.

Abbott said: "I've got a massive amount of respect for Shaun as a young manager and as a person. He's got the right morals how the game should be played and is just a fantastic fella.

"The people at Cambridge were magnificent to me – Shaun, the chairman Jez George and all the staff. I wasn't there for long but they couldn't do enough.

"Even last week when I rang up about watching a game, I couldn't go but they were going to grant me directors' box tickets. I think there's a mutual respect between Cambridge and myself."

City's Checkatrade Trophy opponents have picked up after a poor start and head north for the second-round tie on the back of three straight wins.

Abbott said: "I'm so pleased that Shaun has managed to turn the results around for Jez. The potential there is huge.

"Cambridge is a very affluent city and if they can get a really good run going, they could get the backing of big investment.

"I speak to their head of recruitment Mark Tracy every day to discuss players.

"If he sees anybody he feels would be better than League Two, he quickly alerts me. In the same way, if I spot someone better suited for the next level then I'll pass it on.

"It's no different to managers talking to each other all the time. The competition is fierce.

"I've been around the level a lot and I don't think Shaun would be upset to say that one or two at Cambridge now are down to me – the best ones, obviously!"