Former QPR hero Shaun Derry reckons taking time out of the game to recharge his batteries was just what he needed before returning to football management.

Derry, who was a favourite on the terraces during his three years at Loftus Road, took his first steps in management with Notts County four years ago but lasted only a year and a half before being sacked.

After taking seven months to himself, the one-time midfielder was appointed to the hot seat at Cambridge United, where if all goes to plan, he will celebrate his two-year anniversary in November.

“Spending time out the game, seven months, was great for me,” Derry told Talksport. “It was the first time since I started playing football that I spent any time away from the professional game. So I thoroughly enjoyed the seven months, I got away on holiday and spent some valuable time with the family.

Midfield general: Derry in his QPR days

“It coincided with the start of the season that I really started to miss it. I was over in America watching some of the sport over there and the season kicked off and I missed it, I really missed it. To come back into Cambridge United at the right time was really important.”

While QPR spent the last week of the transfer window making moves to bring in Paul Smyth, David Wheeler and Bright Osayi-Samuel, Derry was unsuccessfully trying to hold onto the jewel in Cambridge's crown, Luke Berry, who moved to League Two rivals Luton.

“When you’ve got processes put in place in what way you recruit and you go against the grain on the final day it becomes more of a gamble, and I’m not too sure you should recruit that way,” Derry added.

“We didn’t make too many signings on the final day. We tried to make our changes earlier on in the close season.

Cambridge United head coach Shaun Derry
Second chance: Derry as Cambridge United head coach

“In terms of Luke, we knew he wanted to leave. I think when a player makes that perfectly clear it kind of gives that impetus to try and change things slightly different and we’ve been able to do that the last three games.”

Derry started his second full season in charge of Cambridge with three successive defeats but has since turned it around, and while QPR were putting their feet up during the international break, he was leading the Us to second league win in three.

“It kind of hit home this morning driving from my home in Kent, coming on a busy M25, and a majority of the schools in Cambridge being back and the rain coming down, and you really feel like you were in the season,” Derry added.

“So I’m really looking forward to the next group of games, especially on the basis we’ve been able to get the two wins and a draw out of the past three.”