Congratulations to Finley Iron on his inclusion in the Cambridge United squad for the past two away trips. Finley has been on loan to St Neots recently and has been sponsored by CFU this season

Last week we had a new volunteer come to the ground and offer his help. Ian Darler was surprised when he realised that the offer was genuine and coming from someone with much so experience in the area of expertise he was offering to help with.

Apparently, Nelson had been taking a rest over the last few months of winter following his release from Sheffield Wednesday and is now  looking for a new perch or position take up this summer

Unfortunately, Nelson only has one eye. We are going to help him try and source a new one. If you have any eyedeas of where to go let us know.

Ian told our correspondence " With all the pitch work coming up over the summer.  He will be able to help by keeping the birds off the pitch and prevent them taking the seed from the ground as soon as it's laid"

If Nelson is successful with his trial we will be looking to keep him to try and prevent the pigeons and other birds from roosting around the ground. If he really good he might help with the painting

See below Nelson photographed with Alan Burge (Alan is wearing the coat)

We are also keen that Nelson is not on his own so if you can help provide him with a friend please let us know.

Have you missed something during the past week on the CFU website see below for what has been on the blog page http://www.cambridgefansunited.org/blog

Click on the story below and to see what has been happening or for information

During the week we were cleaning up, ensuring matches took place and started painting again in earnest

The March version of the Amber News can be downloaded by clicking here

You can follow CFU daily via facebook click here or
www.facebook.com/CambridgeUnitedFootballClub/





Previous Stories
29 April------------Alan Biley & John ‘Shaggy’ Taylor! appearing @ the Abbey again
28 April------------CUFC Lottery Results W/E 27/04/2018
27 April------------Newport Matchday Information
27 April------------Vote for your CFU Internet Player of Year 2017/2018
26 April------------The rebuilding of Wrexham
26 April------------Record-breaking number of EFL clubs achieve Family Excellence status
25 April------------Who is in the Photograph?
25 April -----------Proposed Changes to the Trust Rules
25 April------------Season Ticket Information - Did you know about the Interest free Instalment plan?
25 April------------Winning 50/50 Numbers v Cheltenham or watch the action from Saturdays match
24 April------------Who remembers Bounce Bounce Amber Army?
24 April------------100 years of Coconuts - Our Badges of Honour
24 April------------Season Ticket - Newmarket Road and North Habbin Information
24 April------------CFU Sponsored David Amoo signs a new contract - “The fans have welcomed me to the club brilliantly
22 April------------Cambridge Fans United 17th Annual General Meeting
21 April------------EFL chief urges Government to review standing legislation
20 April------------Something new in the Habbin
20 April------------Notice of CFU AGM
20 April------------CUFC Lottery Results W/E 20/04/2018
19 April------------Habbin Stand Photos by Alan Burge
19 April------------Paul Carden Top Cambridge United Side
18 April------------Did you go the Stevenage? Can you see yourself in the slideshow?
18 April------------Match day Information - Home against Cheltenham
17 April------------Two days of sun and the spirits are lifted - The Apprentice Groundsman
17 April------------Postponed  Matches
16 April------------Improvements at the Training Ground - Thank you - The Apprentice Groundsman
16 April------------Here comes the sun - The Apprentice Groundsman
15 April------------Did you know that the CUFC Lottery had purchased sensory equipment?

THE PROPOSED PREMIER LEAGUE WINTER BREAK - WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Click here to have your say

Bring your questions along for two legendary www.cuhalloffame.org.uk strikers - Alan Biley & John ‘Shaggy’ Taylor!

Venue: Abbey Arms, Saturday 5th May following the final game of 2017/18 v Port Vale.

Be prompt - FREE spaces are limited!

Cambridge United recently released details of the 2018/19 season tickets. The club is trying to reward the supporters who have been loyal to them, while attempting to create the foundations for our future fan base.

The EFL this week announced the clubs that have received the 2018 Family Excellence Awards. Cambridge United were recognised with the reward for the second year running.  Click here to read more about the ELF Family Excellence Awards

This season we created a supporter/family zone behind the Main Stand where families can sit and enjoy the facilities in the area.

The club have announced the -

• re-launch of the iconic Junior U’s scheme. This will coincide with a FREE junior season ticket for Under 12s (£10 Annual Membership Fee).
• The Under 12 Junior U’s membership will also include a series of exclusive first team player engagement event throughout 2018/19, with full details to be announced in the coming weeks.

Junior U's Membership including a free season ticket is available to supporters under the age of 12 on the date of purchase. Junior U's season tickets must be purchased alongside a full paying adult or concession. Standalone Junior U's will be charged the Under 18 season ticket price. READ MORE HERE FOR PRICES AND FURTHER INFORMATION

There are also match day mascot and party opportunities on match and non matchday available

Thank you for your continued support of the CUFC Lottery.

CUFC Lottery 'Accumulator' Results (27 April 2018) - this weeks winning 'Accumulator' numbers are (1658)
-there were no winners of the weekly 'Accumulator' this week, meaning next weeks 'Accumulator' will be £1750.

CUFC Lottery 'Main Draw' Results (27 April 2018) - this weeks winning 'Main Draw' numbers are (0384)
-there were no winners of the 'Main Draw' jackpot this week.
-next weeks 'Main Draw' jackpot will be £300.00.

As the 'Main Draw' jackpot was not won this week
-there are 0 Lottery members matching the first pair
-there are 4 CUFC Lottery members matching the second pair winning £10.00 each

If you are a winner of either the 'Accumulator' or 'Main Draw' you will be notified individually by email.

Yours sincerely,
The CUFC Lottery Team.

 Find out more about the lottery below

What is the CUFC Play2win lottery?
 
The lottery is run and administered by volunteer fans of Cambridge United FC as a sub group of Cambridge Fans United. The lottery is run in association with Cambridge United Football Club.

Aims
 The lottery aims to raise funds for

•  fans' amenities  at The Abbey stadium
•  local community projects.

How does the lottery work?
Each member is issued with a four digit lottery number.
Each week there are two draws held:
                The first is for a weekly prize – currently £300.
Using a random number generator the winning four digit number is drawn.

The member holding the four digit number in the same order wins the first prize.

If there is no winner then runner-up prizes will be awarded to those members holding either the first two or last two digits in the correct position and order.
               
The second draw is for the jackpot accumulator.

The jackpot is again drawn using the random number generator and, as with the weekly draw, the member holding the four digit number in the same order wins the jackpot amount.
If there is no winner the jackpot increases week by week by £50 until the maximum (currently £2500) is reached .

How much is membership and what happens to the money?
Each lottery membership costs £2.00 per week. Payment can be made by cash, cheque or bank standing order. Payments can be made monthly, quarterly, half yearly or annually.

95pence is paid into a Prize Fund.  This fund can only be used for prizes – the greater the number of lottery memberships, the larger the prizes.

5pence is paid into a Cost Fund. Although the lottery is run by volunteers, there are costs for licences, printing, web charges etc. Any surplus after costs is fed back into the lottery to provide, for example, additional prize draws.

70pence is paid into a fund for fan amenities in the Abbey Stadium.

30pence is paid into a Community Fund used for community projects in the Cambridge area.
 
With Play2Win everyone can support both the Club and the community and have some fun whilst doing it! 

Thanks for your interest and ...Good luck in the draw! Click here to join

The EFL and the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) have launched a joint campaign, calling on fans of EFL clubs to ‘Stand up for Choice’ on the issue of licensed standing areas at stadiums and seek changes to the current legislation which imposes restrictions on EFL clubs.

The ‘Stand up for Choice’ campaign has been designed to provoke a progressive and informed debate whilst seeking to highlight the significant support that exists amongst football fans who want the ability to have a choice between standing and being seated at EFL matches.

Today’s announcement will see the launch of a dedicated fans’ survey, which will provide key data and insight on the views of supporters nationwide in addition to the existing petition which has already illustrated the strength of feeling on the wider issue.

EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey, said: “We understand why the issue of standing at football matches is sensitive. The safety of all fans is of paramount importance to everyone, including Government, and they are rightly concerned about any change that could increase the safety risk and then see them accountable for this.
“We recognise that to affect change we will need a partnership approach and this will commence with our survey to demonstrate that those who attend fixtures, want to see the change and be offered a choice, even if they still choose to be seated.

Approximately 18 million supporters make their way through the turnstiles of EFL clubs over the course of a season, and with 800,000 people expected to attend matches across the EFL over the remaining two weekends of the season, ’Stand up for Choice’ will provide football fans with a collective voice before the survey closes on 10th May.

The EFL has had a clear mandate from clubs to pursue change since 2014 and is keen to have an active dialogue with supporter groups, safety authorities and senior Government Ministers to achieve a review of existing legislation so that clubs have a choice on this matter and fans get the matchday experience they want - whether that be seated or standing on terraces.

Harvey continued: “The EFL would like to see current legislation reviewed by the Government and ultimately amended so that clubs have the opportunity to provide standing accommodation to their supporters at all matches played in the Championship, League One and League Two, should they wish to.

“There are 21 EFL clubs across our three divisions that currently offer licensed standing areas to supporters and it is unclear to us how such areas would be any less safe if operated on an identical basis at other clubs playing in the same competitions.

“Nor is the logic clear to us why clubs can offer standing in League One and League Two but not to the same fans, in the same stands, at the same grounds after three years of playing in the Championship or above. If standing areas are licensed as being safe, they don’t become any less safe just because the standard of football being played on the pitch is different.

“By surveying fans, we will be in a position to provide Government with a clear indication of the strength of feeling amongst those supporters who attend EFL matches every season.

“I urge all supporters of EFL clubs to respond to the ‘Stand up for Choice’ campaign, to make your voice heard at this time and to demonstrate that having the choice of whether to stand or sit is what the majority of fans want.

“The benefit of having a choice for fans is that those in seated areas are more likely to refrain from standing during matches, which in turn will make it easier for clubs to manage those who persistently stand without the conflict that can occur when they seek to achieve this now.

“As stated earlier, this is not an issue whereby change is easy to achieve and we also call on the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) to clarify the guidance they have given to Government in recent weeks in order to ensure the Minister of Sport can lead an informed public debate.”

Peter Daykin, standing co-ordinator at the Football Supporters' Federation, said: “The FSF campaign has always been about providing fans with the choice to sit or stand at football.

“Those who prefer to stand should be able to do so and help generate the fantastic atmosphere that our game is famous for, while those who prefer to sit should be allowed to without having to worry about their views being blocked. There is no reason that this cannot be delivered safely by clubs.

“Eighteen millions fans make their way to EFL games every season and the Championship is the third most attended league in Europe - theirs is a voice of experience which must be listened to within this debate. It's great to have such an important football institution engage so positively with the campaign, working hand-in-hand with fans to make the case for standing at football.”

The data from the survey will be collated and presented to the relevant Government and safety authorities to provide clear evidence to deliver an informed debate on this issue.

EFL and FSF call on supporters to 'Stand Up for Choice'The EFL and the Football Supporters’ Federation launch joint campaign against standing restriction

The survey can be accessed online via: https://www.efl.com/standupforchoice.

“Our clubs and their fans should be part of the solution.”

Traffic News -   We have been informed that for anyone going to Newport via A14, M6/42/5/50,A449, there are roadworks on the M6 from Jnc 2 Coventry to just past the Corley Services. Its narrower lanes & speed limit......so allow a bit of extra time ?? May be best monitoring the situation before setting out

I have found the following link on the Newport website for use by away supporters traveling. Click for all the information here

Ticket Information
Where to get your tickets?
All tickets purchased in advance must be bought directly from your Club's ticket office.  You can buy directly from Newport County AFC on the day at the gate, cash only.
Gate 6
Away supporters enter PureVans.com Away End via Gate 6 which is located on Corporation Road.  We have an Away Fans ticket booth at the gate where you can purchase tickets on the gate.  Please note these are cash only.
Numbers
We are currently in talks with regards to our brand new PureVans.com Away Stand which will be ready ahead of next season.  This should provide a better environment for Away Supporters to watch the game, and increase the numbers of away supporters able to attend.

Ticket Prices
Match Day Ticket Prices can be found on our Ticket Page.

Getting to Rodney Parade
By Train...
The nearest train station to Rodney Parade is Newport (Gwent).  It is not far way and should take less that 10 minutes to walk. 
Leave the train station via the entrance/exit at “Platform 1”. 
Cross the road (so that you are outside Admiral Insurance) and turn left. 
Follow the pavement.  It will eventually curve left (past Delilah’s Café and Bar).  This will bring you out near the Market Arcade and Popadom’s Indian Restaurant. 
Turn left and follow the road to the end. 
At the end of the road you will see a staircase on your right.  Go down the stairs and through the underpass which will bring you out at Clarence Street Bridge. 
Go over the bridge and take your first right onto Rodney Road. 

By Car…

From the West: 
Take Junction 26 from the M4 
Take 3rd Exit off Roundabout onto Malpas Road 
Take 2nd Exit off Roundabout 
at Next Roundabout take 1st Exit across River Usk 
at Next Traffic Lights bear Right onto Chepstow Road 
Take 1st Right onto Cedar Road 
Take 1st Right onto Corporation Road 
Take 1st Left onto Grafton Road 
Rodney Parade is on your Left.

From the East: 
Take Junction 25a from the M4 
Take 1st Exit off Roundabout onto Heidenheim Way 
Take 1st Exit off Flyover 
Take 2nd Exit off Roundabout 
at Next Roundabout take 1st Exit across River Usk 
at Next Traffic Lights bear Right onto Chepstow Road 
Take 1st Right onto Cedar Road 
Take 1st Right onto Corporation Road 
Take 1st Left onto Grafton Road 
Rodney Parade is on your Left.

Car Parking
There are several public car parks in the City Centre within a short walking distance of Rodney Parade.  There is also plenty of parking on the streets near the stadium - please be aware of local parking restrictions.
 
By Bus
Rodney Parade is close to a number of bus stops.  To find your best route, please visit Newport Bus: www.newportbus.co.uk

Before the Game
Why not visit Friars Walk in Newport City Centre.  It’s just over the bridge from the Rodney Parade and has great places to eat such as Bistro Pierre, Zizzi’s among others.  It’s also home to many retail outlets as well as coffee shops.
It's perfect if you’re looking for somewhere to spend some time or grab some food before the game.

Local Pubs
Whilst there are no designated Away Supporter Pubs in Newport, the closest pub to the Away Entrance is Excelsior Institute on Corporation Road and this is where away fans tend to go ahead of games.

The Excelsior is approximately 5 minutes walk from the Away Entrance.

Disabled Supporters Association
The Disabled Supporters Association are on hand to assist in any way needed.

Please click here to find out more about what they can offer.  

Who would be your Player of the Season? Is it a defender, the goalkeeper, striker or midfielder?

Make your choice in the CFU Internet Player of the Season by completing the form below.

And just for fun,  say what would be your Goal of the Season and the On Pitch Moment of the Season by completing the on line form via the link here

When Wrexham Supporters Trust took control of the club back in 2011, they took on a business that was losing over £1 million a year and had just sold it's main asset, the iconic Racecourse Ground. Next week at their AGM the 3,000+ owners will hear how the club have made another profit and continue to make progress off the pitch. We believe that their story is worth sharing and proof that despite the regulatory system rewarding clubs that lose money and take risks, you can still succeed with a model that is committed to long term success.

Board Member Spencer Harris shares an insight into what they have achieved and how they operate below:

"The six years of ownership of the Wrexham Supporters Trust has required us to work extremely hard with a loyal and committed fanbase from when we took over in November 2011. Back then the under previous ownership the club had lost all of its assets including the stadium and training ground and was in a financially distressed state on the brink of collapse without a single policy in place to govern how the business is run. Today we have good business  Read more click here

Article posted on the 4th April

A total of 56 EFL clubs have achieved Family Excellence status, 10 of which have been crowned as ‘Gold Award’ winners for their exemplary work in engaging families on matchdays.

The record-breaking number, up from 53 in 2016/17, recognises continuous improvement and best practice in family engagement across the leagues and supports clubs’ efforts to attract and retain young fans of the future.

Amongst the 56 clubs, three have achieved the Family Excellence accolade for the first time – Forest Green Rovers, Grimsby Town and Sunderland – whilst the ‘Gold Award’ given to 10 clubs highlights an elite number of clubs that offer an exceptional family matchday experience.

Read more here and find out if Cambridge United got the award here

Can you name everyone in the Photograph? Who is who?

Who would have made your first eleven if you had been the manager?

Was the chimney part of the Corona Works?

Cambridge United recently released details of the 2018/19 season tickets. The club is trying to reward the supporters who have been loyal to them, while attempting to create the foundations for our future fan base.

Did you know that you can pay for your ticket by taking advantage of the INTEREST FREE INSTALMENTS plan?

Supporters have the opportunity to pay for their season ticket in four equal monthly interest free installments.

The first instalment is taken when purchasing your Season Ticket.

- 4 instalments - by 1st May
- 3 instalments - by 1st Jun
- 2 instalments - by 1st July
- From August 1st onwards, full payment only.

HOW TO BUY
On sale online, in-store and on the phone from 10am on Tuesday 10th April.

ONLINE – Head to www.cufcdirect.com to guarantee your seat for the 2018/19 season online now.

OVER THE PHONE – Call 01223 566 500 to arrange a season ticket for the 2018/19 season over the phone by speaking to our ticket office.

IN-PERSON – Head in-store to the club shop and arrange a season ticket.

If you have any questions please contact the ticket office on 01223 566 500 or tweet @cufc_to.

To read more about season tickets click here

Winning 50/50 numbers against Cheltenham

The winning numbers are published after every match via the link see  https://www.cambridge-united.co.uk/tickets/5050-winning-numbers/

They are also displayed on the CFU Outlet at full time

Do you remember Bounce Bounce Amber Army?

There were badges, clothes and a song?

Do you have a particular memory?

Do you still have a sweatshirt or t'shirt from the period?

Do you see yourself on the videos?

Could it make a return or is it consigned now to history?

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Bounce Bounce Amber Army

On display here are club badges in all shapes and sizes and representing many eras, from the collections of Barry Benton, Andrew Bennett, Alan Burge, Colin Purdew and Brian Thorby. If you have a badge that is not shown on this page, please consider lending or donating it to 100 Years of Coconuts, or simply sending us a photograph. Contact us here.

First, a look back at the  United badge design considered the 'classic' by many fans. It incorporated elements of the arms of the City of Cambridge and was in use between 1951, as the club prepared to change its name from Abbey to Cambridge United, and 1978. Click on any image to enlarge.

Click here to read more and see the collection of badges

Cambridge United recently released details of the 2018/19 season tickets. The club is trying to reward the supporters who have been loyal to them, while attempting to create the foundations for our future fan base.

Did you know - if you stand on the Habbin and Newmarket Road terracing, purchasing a season ticket before 8th May will enable you to buy one for £269.  This price will then rise to £289. So you can make a saving of £20 by using the early purchase scheme.

If you are entitled to a concessionary season ticket then the price is £199 before it rises to £219. Again, a saving of £20 by paying before the 8th May

For those under 18 years old the price will be under £3 a match if purchased before the 8th May, with the £49 price rising to £69 after then.

A Junior U's season ticket, which is available for those up to 12 years of age, is free to stand. However you will need to sign up to the Junior U scheme for a one-off fee of £10. 23 matches for £10. That is less than  50p a match.

You can also take advantage of the INTEREST FREE INSTALMENTS plan.

Supporters have the opportunity to pay for their season ticket in four equal monthly interest free instalments. The first instalment is taken when purchasing your Season Ticket.
- 4 instalments - by 1st May
- 3 instalments - by 1st Jun
- 2 instalments - by 1st July
- From August 1st onwards, full payment only.

For more information click here https://www.cambridge-united.co.uk/news/2018/april/season-ticket-prices-1819/

Cambridge United winger David Amoo has signed a one-year contract extension to stay with the League Two club until the end of next season.

David's only U's goal so far in a 3-0 win against Crewe in December. Watch all the goals against Crewe below

"I am really enjoying my time here with Cambridge United," the 27-year-old told the club website. "When I was offered a chance to continue that, it was an absolute no-brainer."

“The fans have welcomed me to the club brilliantly and have been so patient through all the injuries and set-backs.

“I am therefore looking forward to being able to repay their faith in me, and the management team too who have worked so hard on making sure I’ve been able to play a part this season.

“I’m so excited to have another year with the club.”

Cambridge Fans United 17th Annual General Meeting

The CFU AGM will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 8th May 2018, in the 8Build Loune at the Abbey Stadium, Newmarket Road, Cambridge. In addition to the business meeting, we hope to have guests from Cambridge United FC for a question and answer session.

Only CFU Members in good standing on Tuesday 1st May 2018 will be entitled to take part in elections and other formal business. However, non-members will be welcome to attend as observers. CFU members will be sent all relevant papers and nomination forms, very shortly.

AGENDA
1.           Welcome (Robert Osbourn, Chairman)
 
2.           Apologies for absence
 
3.           Minutes of CFU AGM held on 20th March 2017
 
4.           Review of the Year (Robert Osbourn)
 
5.           Membership Report (Terry Wilby)
 
6.           Treasurer's Report (James Taylor)
              Report on revenue account / balance sheet
              Appointment of financial examiners / declaration
 
7.           Election of CFU Trust Board

Members continuing: John Bilboa, Nigel Browne, Martin Chapman, Dave Matthews- Jones, Pat Morgan, Margaret Pearson, James Taylor, Brian Thorby, Terry Wilby

Members who resigned during the year: Tim Christopher, Dom Baldock

Members standing down, by rotation, willing to continue: Carol Looker, Robert Osbourn, Colin Proctor. Not continuing: Dave Doggett

Members nominated for election to the Trust Board: Joy Childs, Nigel Pearce, Andrew Stephen
 
8.           Fans Elected Director Report (Dave Matthews-Jones)
 
9.           Election of Fans Elected Director
 
10.         100 Years of Coconuts Report (Pat Morgan)
 
11.         CUFC Lottery Report (Brian Thorby)
 
12.         Adoption of Documents
a. “What is Cambridge Fans United? What does it do and how does it do it?” – a statement of CFU’s history; current role, structure, aims and objectives (Nigel Pearce).

1. Updated document “Cambridge Fans United – Rules for a Supporters Community Mutual” (Terry Wilby).  The document can be viewed on the website and hard copies will be available at the meeting.

 
13.         Next 12 months for CFU

• Engaging with and representing Cambridge United supporters
• Continuing to work to improve matchday experiences
• Working closely together to achieve all round success at Cambridge United

The chief executive of the English Football League (EFL) has written to the Sports Minister urging her to review legislation on standing at football.

Shaun Harvey wrote to Tracey Crouch this week after she rejected the application by West Bromwich Albion to install rail seating at the Hawthorns. Harvey re-affirmed the EFL’s commitment to safe standing and its member clubs being able to offer choice to supporters.

“There is significant popular demand from supporters for standing to be permitted at all professional football matches,” Harvey told the minister.

“The Government should not underestimate how popular a change in approach would be with the football supporting element of the electorate.”

Harvey argues that clubs should be given the freedom to offer accommodation to supporters that best supports their needs – whether they be seats, dual-purpose technologies such as rail seating or dedicated standing areas.

Read more here by clicking on the link

There is something new in the Habbin at present.

We are not sure it will work but we are trying to stop the pidgeons from roosting in the stand. There is another one that needs to be installed at the Supporters Club end.

If successful we will try some in the Main Stand

FANS QUESTIONS FOR THE CUFC SHAREHOLDERS MEETING ON 30TH APRIL

You may recall that CFU undertook to collect questions from members and the wider fanbase, to be posed on their behalf for answer at the CUFC Shareholder's Meeting which is scheduled for 30th April).  Robert Osbourn, CFU Chair, has sent the list of questions received to the Club this week, so that officials have sufficient time to consider the answers. 
The questions are reproduced below.
 
1       Has Paul Barry increased his stake in the club, as there has been no official acknowledgement to that effect?
 
2       Is the Manchester United money still ring fenced? If not, when and how did this change?
 
3       At the 2017 Shareholders meeting, in March, the Finance Director predicted a small surplus for the current year (2016/17). What occurred between that prediction being issued and reported on and the actual turnout at the end of June being a loss of nearly £700,000, even though there had been additional inputs by Directors?
 
4       What has changed from last year where we were predicting a break even position or small surplus in operating profits?
 
5       When Messrs Grady and Daniels were interviewed on the radio in December, following the departure of Mr Doggett, they refuted speculation that the Club was facing losses in the region of £600k.  We now know this speculation was not far from the truth.  Did these Directors mislead fans and shareholders?
 
6       In the Directors report, the club says it expects “to show a small loss this season [2017-18]”.  Does this take account of monies received from the sales of Will Norris and Luke Berry, or are these excluded?
 
7       Has the Board implemented any cost reductions or identified increased net income, to help ensure the aim of breaking even in 2018-19?
 
8       Has any money been ring-fenced for redevelopment?
 
9       Was a business plan for the school holiday programme prepared and approved by the Board of Directors in advance of its start date? How was its progress monitored and by whom. At what point was the Board informed that its budget would not be achieved?
 
10  The annual report says that the Board will take a more day-to-day role in the running of the club in future.  I assume this monitoring role previously fell to the now-departed CEO, so does the Board accept this is a damning assessment of both his performance and that of the Board itself in not picking up on the spiralling costs in-year?
 
11  Does the Board accept that the 16-17 operating loss (£694k), when compared to the 15-16 loss (£387k), appears even worse when one considers (a) that 15-16 included £170k expenditure relating to the departure of Richard Money and (b) that 16-17 includes £250k FAC revenue and a £195k increase in external funding?
 
12  The CUFC website “Who’s Who” section lists 32 members of staff (excluding Board members). Of the 32 people listed, 25 have job titles that include “Chief”, “Head”, and “Manager” etc. Is it possible for a company the size of CUFC to financially sustain so many senior roles (eg Luton have 14 and Mansfield have 12)?  Why is it that CUFC has all these senior roles, when other clubs in the league seem to be able to manager greater success with fewer senior staff? What is the wage bill for these staff as a % of turnover?
 
13  Does the club plan to carry on with the excess staff levels or will they try and live within its means?
 
14  What is the budget for backroom staff, compared with the playing budget?
 
15  Youth set up appears to cost the club £120k - why is this and when are we going to see a return for home grown players sold?
 
16  What unbudgeted costs were incurred for the stadium and pitch maintenance and what was the amount of that additional cost?
 
17  How much is spent on non-first-team personnel?
 
18  Let every penny of every transaction made by the club be available for scrutiny by CFU. No hiding behind so-called ‘confidentiality’ and commercial sensitivity rubbish. Let our fans group know exactly the +/- in our accounts.
 
19  On what date did the CUFC Board vote to set up a company for the China Project?
 
20  According to Companies House, a new Company - CAMBRIDGE UNITED CHINA COLLABORATIONS LIMITED - was incorporated in November 2017.  CUFC Ltd appears to have invested £300,000 in this venture.  Please could the board give some indication of the business case for this investment?  When can we expect a return on the investment?  In light of the significant losses recently revealed in the last FY's accounts was it really sensible to commit £300,000 to this venture?  Jez George is listed as a Director.  What is the structure of the Board of this new company?
 
21  Does Jeremy George still have a role at the club? Does he draw any income from the club?  If he is CEO, what does he do day-to-day, with Ben Strang in charge of Football Operations, Nick Fairbairn in charge of Partnerships, for instance?
 
22  Why has the club changed reporting accountants to KPMG this year? Is there any cost implication for the change?
 
23  How does one qualify to be a CUFC director? Does it depend on expertise, investment or democracy ...... that kind of thing?
 
24  Is the board going to review its misguided policy regarding concessions in Main Stand Blocks C & D? This has resulted in angering many long term fans who have financially supported the Club through difficult times for many years. Instead of producing additional income (at the expense of alienating many loyal fans, some of which have not renewed their season tickets) I suspect this commercial decision has back-fired. In order to reunite all those affected and to get fans back on side, will the board reverse this ill-thought out policy? Irrespective of a “price suitable for everyone somewhere in the ground” all fans have their favourite communal area bonded over many years.
 
25  How many shares does each board member own?
 
26  Will the Club make it a pre-requisite of the new first team coach to give academy graduates and young players more opportunities in the Football League?

If you wish to join or re-join CFU please contact us by clicking here -

If you have a question for CFU please contact us via the email form below  -

Notice of CFU AGM

Cambridge Fans United gives notice that its 17th Annual General Meeting will be held in the Premier Travel Suite at the Abbey Stadium at 7.30pm on Tuesday 8th May 2018.

CFU members will shortly receive papers for the meeting.

You may recall that CFU undertook to collect questions from members and the wider fanbase, to be posed on their behalf for answer at the CUFC Shareholder's Meeting which is scheduled for 30th April).  Robert Osbourn, CFU Chair, has sent the list of questions received to the Club this week, so that officials have sufficient time to consider the answers. 
The questions are reproduced via the link here  - QUESTIONS IN ADVANCE OF CUFC AGM

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If you have a question for CFU please use the email form below

Thank you for your continued support of the CUFC Lottery.

CUFC Lottery 'Accumulator' Results (20 April 2018) - this weeks winning 'Accumulator' numbers are (8493)
-there were no winners of the weekly 'Accumulator' this week, meaning next weeks 'Accumulator' will be £1650.

CUFC Lottery 'Main Draw' Results (20 April 2018) - this weeks winning 'Main Draw' numbers are (4850)
-there were no winners of the 'Main Draw' jackpot this week.
-next weeks 'Main Draw' jackpot will be £300.00.

As the 'Main Draw' jackpot was not won this week
-there is 1 CUFC Lottery member matching the first pair winning £10.00
-there are 3 CUFC Lottery members matching the second pair winning £10.00 each

If you are a winner of either the 'Accumulator' or 'Main Draw' you will be notified individually by email.

Yours sincerely,
The CUFC Lottery Team.

Find out more about the lottery below

What is the CUFC Play2win lottery?
 
The lottery is run and administered by volunteer fans of Cambridge United FC as a sub group of Cambridge Fans United. The lottery is run in association with Cambridge United Football Club.

Aims
 The lottery aims to raise funds for

•  fans' amenities  at The Abbey stadium
•  local community projects.

How does the lottery work?
Each member is issued with a four digit lottery number.
Each week there are two draws held:
                The first is for a weekly prize – currently £300.
Using a random number generator the winning four digit number is drawn.

The member holding the four digit number in the same order wins the first prize.

If there is no winner then runner-up prizes will be awarded to those members holding either the first two or last two digits in the correct position and order.
               
The second draw is for the jackpot accumulator.

The jackpot is again drawn using the random number generator and, as with the weekly draw, the member holding the four digit number in the same order wins the jackpot amount.
If there is no winner the jackpot increases week by week by £50 until the maximum (currently £2500) is reached .

How much is membership and what happens to the money?
Each lottery membership costs £2.00 per week. Payment can be made by cash, cheque or bank standing order. Payments can be made monthly, quarterly, half yearly or annually.

95pence is paid into a Prize Fund.  This fund can only be used for prizes – the greater the number of lottery memberships, the larger the prizes.

5pence is paid into a Cost Fund. Although the lottery is run by volunteers, there are costs for licences, printing, web charges etc. Any surplus after costs is fed back into the lottery to provide, for example, additional prize draws.

70pence is paid into a fund for fan amenities in the Abbey Stadium.

30pence is paid into a Community Fund used for community projects in the Cambridge area.
 
With Play2Win everyone can support both the Club and the community and have some fun whilst doing it! 

Thanks for your interest and ...Good luck in the draw! Click here to join

The team have been working in and around the Habbin area during the past week. See the slideshow below for the photos that Alan Burge has taken.