John Beck's return to Cambridge United has been met with a mixed response. Beck managed the club a decade ago and his management style became infamous.

A known devotee of the long-ball game, Beck's bizarre management methods were questioned in some quarters during his previous spell at the Abbey Stadium between 1990 and 1992.

He returned to Cambridge at the start of March following the dismissal of Roy McFarland.

Cambridge were very much in the relegation dogfight when Beck returned but he saved them from relegation and is now planning for next season.

Four players - Alex Russell, Scott Oakes, Stuart Wilson and Gary McCracken - have been handed free transfers.

Three others - John Dreyer, Neil Mustoe and Steve McAnespie - have joined John Hansen on the transfer list.

The most notable of these was veteran defender Dreyer, who played in the Premiership with Bradford.

Russell is a stylish, skilful midfielder and his release suggests Beck will revert to tried-and-trusted playing methods.

Asked to confirm his footballing philosophy for next season, Beck told the club's website: "Common sense tells you that you just cannot keep playing a long ball situation.

"The game has changed, opposition defences are wise to the long, direct ball.

"There will be times in games when it calls for it, but we want to get the ball down and play attractive, neat, tidy, passing football.

"But at this level, in the hurly-burly of it all, there are times when you have to play a direct game.

"It's that same philosophy: It's the right ball. Not the long ball or short ball, it's the right ball."

The future of skipper Paul Wanless is the subject of some discussion, particularly as he left Sincil Bank rather quickly when Beck took over at Lincoln.

But the feeling is that Wanless is central to the manager's plans at Cambridge, particularly as he was playing some of the best football of his career at the end of last season.

Defender Marc Joseph is another player Beck wants to keep. He was out-of-favour under McFarland but got back into the side when the management change was made.

Joseph have now been offered a new three-year contract. Peterborough have also offered the player a contract but chairman Reg Smart believes "Beck could make him a £1million player".

Goalkeeper Lionel Perez has also been the subject of interest from elsewhere, with Norwich City among those linked.

On the arrival front Middlesbrough's teenage defender Christian Hanson could be brought in on a year-long loan.

Beck would like to bring back Omer Riza in a similar arrangement. Riza was on loan from West Ham last season.

Terry Fleming, David Greene, Richard Prokas, Marcus Richardson and Tero Pilvi are also seen as core to future plans, having joined the club since Beck's arrival.

Beck is looking to reinforce all departments of the squad and will spend a busy summer working to bring in new faces, with York City striker Colin Alcide rumoured to be among them.