Dave Matthews-Jones SLO Programme Article - Bristol Rovers

cfuawaytravel@yahoo.comThis afternoon we welcome the supporters, officials and playing staff of Bristol Rovers to the Abbey Stadium. It is also the first opportunity to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2023.

Looking back on 2022 there was so much achieved by everyone involved with Cambridge United to be proud of. From winning against Premiership side Newcastle United at St James Park in early January to the re-purchase of the Abbey Stadium in September. From the creation of the Family Zone to the improvements in all of the supporter areas around the ground. Giant strides have been made both on and off the pitch and these are laying the foundations for future years.

Looking at some of the databases we keep, I noticed that during the first weeks of 2013 we were playing Braintree, Stockport and Nuneaton in the Blue Square Premiership during the past week we have played away at Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday. Competing against teams of this size is difficult at the best of times and is made even more difficult when the rules are being constantly changed to favour them. Football should be played by sides with equal opportunities but the recent substitution rule changes is another example to ensure it favours the larger clubs. It is the latest of many changes going back over many years and it won’t be the last one for sure.

Since the club achieved promotion supporters have followed the side all over the country. Sometimes watching them win and sometimes in defeat, however the support is both valued and appreciated by everyone on the playing side. It is therefore disappointing to see how badly supporters travelling to away matches can be treated. A recent example of this was the Fleetwood match. At a time of year when finances are already tight and during a period of time when families and individuals are struggling. To see a match that involved such travel costs and time called off at mid-day is difficult to accept. We are not the only club to suffer. It is certainly an area those running football and pushing the Fans Led Review should consider in future looking into. What actions could still have been taken in the following three hours to get the match on? What thought was given to those travelling at the time of the initial inspection? Why are matches of distance not scheduled during months of better weather. Should there be a report made public giving the reasons for a postponement so supporters can actually see why and what has been done?

The goodwill donation back to those who did travel by the club should be applauded there was no reason the give one. They did so because they care about their supporters. The Away Travel coach fully refunded their travellers for their costs but are now considerably out of pocket on the trip. It could possibly affect future trips being run at a time when the club will need support away from home. If you are interested in or could sponsorship the away travel, contact them via 07591 111251 or Email cfuawaytravel@yahoo.com