Cambridge United head coach Neil Harris has praised the development of Zak Bradshaw over the last 12 months.

Following his arrival from Lincoln City in the summer of 2025, the defender was used sparingly during United’s subsequent promotion-winning campaign.

He made only two appearances in League Two, and a total of nine across all competitions – the last of which came in December 2025 against Stockport County during a FA Cup tie.

However, this time around in League One, the 23-year-old has been a regular fixture in Harris’ side, with his performances catching the eye throughout 16 outings.

And the U’s boss has admitted that he has used a combination of ‘strong words’ alongside ‘love and care’ to coax the best out of the former Ipswich Town trainee.

“There might have been moments in the last couple of weeks where we’ve thought Zak looks a bit goosed and that he needs a breather, but he wants to stay out there,” said Harris.

“That’s the hunger and desire that he’s developed over the last 12 months. If I go back, on profile, he looked the part. Hence why we signed him.

“But that is probably why Lincoln allowed him to come (to Cambridge). He looked the part and played the part, but he didn’t do it regularly enough in training and in games.

“That’s where we talk about patience and developing young players. And when I say young players, we’re not talking about teenagers or 20-year-olds. Zak is 23 now, but he’s still very young in footballing terms when it comes to minutes on the pitch.

“Zak has had to be patient, and he’s had to graft and do it the hard way. He’s had to take the knocks and strong words at times from his manager, but with love and care as well at the right times.

“We’re seeing the best of Zak Bradshaw at the moment, and what I don’t want Zak to do is get carried away with where he’s at. He’s developing very nicely for our football club, and he’s thoroughly enjoying himself.”

Tonight, Bradshaw and his team-mates will aim to bounce back from their 3-2 defeat to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday when they travel to face Sheffield Wednesday.