This afternoon we welcome the supporters, officials and playing staff of Grimsby to the Abbey Stadium. It was good to see them get promoted back into the EFL last season having been relegated to the Conference. The club has done and is still doing a large amount of work in Fans Engagement and should be applauded for doing so. Their SLO and Chair of the Mariners Supporters Trust Kristine Green is a real advocate concerning on this matter for their supporters. They are one of the clubs I watch from the outside and see what we can also do

An important new role at the club is currently being advertised. The role of Disabled Supporter Liaison Officer. The DSLO will be responsible for supporting and advising the football club in relation to improving access and inclusion for its disabled supporters, customers, employees, volunteers and players.

They will be the club’s key advocate for all disability-related matters and will champion disability issues, as well as promoting the business benefits of creating an accessible stadium, matchday and inclusive environment.

They will serve as the main point of contact between the football club and its disabled supporters, guests, players and employees and will work to facilitate a positive dialogue between the two parties.

Person Specification:

• Effective influencing and written/verbal communication skills, display positive and enthusiastic attitude at all times
• Understanding of local disability legislation and how to provide an accessible stadium
• Able to communicate with a wide range of key stakeholders, including senior management, local disability groups and differently disabled people
• Understanding working environment of Cambridge United FC
• Builds knowledge of fan base/ processes/ regulation/ SFA or SPFL fan initiatives or systems to resolve issues and provide solutions
• Collaborative and engaging communication skills
• Self-motivated and passionate about improving access and inclusion for disabled people
  

Interested applicants should apply by submitting the CV and cover letter by clicking this link. (QR code) The closing date for applications is Friday 2nd December.

This afternoon we welcome the supporters, officials and playing staff of Accrington Stanley. to the Abbey Stadium. We hope you had a good journey to the Abbey Stadium.

During recent seasons and with the dark winter evenings here now we are able to work alongside Club sponsors A2BTaxicabs in providing safe secure and trustworthy travel to accommodate female supporters with the opportunity specifically requesting a female driver to and from the Abbey Stadium, and away from matchdays (subject to availability). The Ely-based firm who are sponsors of the Football Club’s Signature Hospitality Suite, are keen to ensure the U’s female fanbase are aware they have the option to call on a taxi service that provides them with that feeling of full trust and safety. A2B recognise that when travelling alone or alone with children, that can evoke a feeling of vulnerability, and therefore the opportunity to call upon a female driver allows an extra level of comfort and security in those situations. All driver details and movements are recorded via GPS tracking by A2B, whilst all customers also receive push notifications/texts to inform them of who their driver is, the vehicle and licence plate details once their driver has been dispatched and set to arrive.

All bookings must be made in advance, and can be done in the following ways: Telephone - Call A2BTaxicabs on 01353 66 10 10 Online – Visit www.A2BTaxicabs.co.uk

A2BTaxicabs can also assist anyone seeking vehicles with wheelchair to matches

This evening we welcome the supporters, officials and playing staff of Curzon Ashton to the Abbey Stadium. Curzon play in the National League North and have during their history reached the FA Cup second round twice in their history once having beaten Exeter. The club having been formed in 1963 after Curzon Road Methodists FC and Ashton Amateurs merged together. Since then, the club has progressed successfully through the leagues to reach its present position.

I was asked last week about the statue outside the Curzon ground and who the individuals were. The players being commemorated are three locally born footballers associated with the World Cup; Geoff Hurst (born in Ashton), Jimmy Armfield (Denton), and Simone Perrotta (also born in Ashton) who played for Italy.

Having grown up during the sixties and seventies the romance of the FA Cup was instilled in your DNA as a football supporter. On Cup Final days you would get up early in the morning of the match. The build-up would take part place during the morning. The Cup Final was probably the only club match in those days shown on live television. The big decision was would you watch it on BBC1 or ITV. Another memory for many will be sneaking a transistor into school to listen to the next round being drawn at dinner time on a Monday 

One of the first finals I remember watching was when Chelsea played Leeds in April 1970. The first game was played at Wembley watched by 28 million people on television. It finished in a 2-2 draw. The replay will be remembered as one of the hardest fought finals ever played. There would be no give or take from either side. Chelsea finally won the match 2-1.

The Chelsea winning side came to the Abbey a few days later with the trophy to take part in a match organised as part of the sale of Ian Hutchinson’s transfer. It would also be the match when many United fans among the 14,000 crowd that night would start their journey supporting the club. The next day Cambridge United would win against Margate to secure promotion to the Football League for the first time.

Since then, we have been both giant killers for example wins against Newcastle and Sheffield Wednesday and victims of upsets.  We have played in FA Cup quarter finals. The FA Cup provides the opportunity to create memories and good times.
With a home tie in the second round against Grimsby the prize both clubs tonight will be fighting hard to secure that tie

This afternoon we welcome the supporters, officials and playing staff of Bolton Wanderers to the Abbey Stadium.

It isn’t too long now before the World Cup commences during mid-November. It is a shame that it is being played during the season, however, it does also provide opportunities for us as well. When we play home matches, please encourage any family members or friends who usually support Premiership & Championship supporters to visit the Abbey Stadium. We currently have matches against Plymouth on the 10th December & Greg Taylor’s testimonial match on the 6th December scheduled to be played during this period. It is important we continue to attract new supporters and families during the winter months. Capacity matches can help create improved atmospheres and financial help.

There are also two away matches during December against Forest Green and Fleetwood being played. These matches leading up to the festive period will be difficult for supporters to finance. The Away Travel Coach are really pleased to have secured sponsorship from East Sussex U’s, Coversure and Worcester U’s this season to help towards their travel costs. With fuel costs at their current high levels, it can sometimes make it difficult to keep prices affordable for everyone using the service. However, having sponsorship it makes it easier. If your company or as an individual you can help. Please contact Away Travel on 07591 111251 or Email cfuawaytravel@yahoo.com It would be great if we could provide additional support for the Fleetwood match. The matches against Forest Green and Fleetwood are now on line to book

Don’t forget following the draw against Curzon Ashton last Sunday we now have a replay at the Abbey Stadium on Tuesday evening. No Cambridge United supporter can have forgotten the match against Newcastle earlier in the year. These cup matches are just as important to the club and your support is needed by everyone

This afternoon we welcome the supporters, officials and playing staff of Derby County. It is almost thirty years since the sides last played each other at the Abbey Stadium. There is also a link between the clubs from that period. The Main Stand extension was financed through the sale of then fans favourite Alan Biley to Derby in 1979 for a then club record fee.

Today, we are celebrating the return of the Abbey Stadium back into the ownership of the club. It was a scenario many hoped would happen but never really felt would do so. Even now I am still pinching myself to make sure it’s not a dream. When the ground was originally sold it broke the hearts of so many supporters. It also began the long and difficult fight to save the club. There were many difficult days during that period. It would take many years, the financial support & practical help of so many individuals during those days to get the club back to position we are in now.

Personally, I have always felt a guilt during this time. A feeling that I had let down those who had previously worked so hard to move the club through the local amateur leagues to the brink of the Premiership. Now that feeling has been lifted from my shoulders. We can now all once again move forwards positively and confidently calling the Abbey Stadium our home

We have to thank Paul, Mark and Adam for providing the opportunity to purchase the ground back. We also have to thank Grosvenor who have shown a great deal of support and flexibility towards the club during their time as landlords. Probably far more than we could ever have expected and far more than they needed to provide us.

We no longer need to look backwards. Our destiny is in all our hands. We all need to learn from history, ensure we are never again in that position again and work towards a successful future.

Today, is about celebrating the re-repurchase. It is also the beginning of a exciting new chapter in the story of Cambridge United

Did you have a scoreboard announcement on Saturday at the match against Bolton Wanderers

If you missed it or would like to download an image see the slideshow below

During 2020 the CUFCLottery paid for the provision of two new Electronic scoreboards.

If you would like to take part in the Lottery or find out more click here