Cambridge United v Swindon Town FC

INTERACTIVE DIGITAL PROGRAMME

v SWINDON TOWN TUE AUGUST 10 2021 Kick-Off: 7.45pm

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Fan noticeboard WELCOME We’re back again. Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for their feedback following Saturday’s first Programme of the season.

The printed copies went down really well, so well in-fact that following feedback from supporters we will be increasing the print run for our next home league game, against Burton Albion on Saturday 21st August. The match was a tremendous occasion, with the biggest crowd seen at the Abbey since 2016, as Doug Shulman points out in his piece on page 31.

The players have said that the support made a huge difference and helped the team come back from behind in the second half. Don’t underestimate the difference you can make with your raucous and positive energy.

Everybody at the Club was extremely saddened to hear the news of Robbie Cooke’s passing at the weekend. The messages received by his former teammates, his friends and those who knew him speak volumes for the person he was and he will be dearly missed by many. You can read Pat Morgan’s tribute to him on page 9.

Due to timings and anticipated attendance, tonight’s Programme is Digital-only, but I hope you enjoy the read and enjoy the game.

United in Endeavour.

Matchday Timings:

Club Shop/Ticket Office: Open from 09:30am Turnstiles: Open from 6:30pm Dublin Bar: Open from 6:30pm Tea Bars: Open from 6:30pm

Today’s Contents: 5 MARK BONNER

Head Coach 7 IAN MATHER

From the CEO 9 ROBBIE COOKE

A Tribute

10 OPPOSITION

Swindon Town 15 TEN TO TACKLE Quiz 17 MEMORIES DOWN CUT THROAT LANE

A blast from the past 21 PLAYER Q&A

Greg Taylor 27 ACADEMY UPDATE

Kai Yearn

CUFC Lottery:

This week’s lottery results are Weekly Prize Draw 5320 no winner • Runners Up 5384 Simon Lankester, 7920 David Skelton, 1820 Keith Pilkington • The Jackpot/Accumulator is 6243 no winner • Next week’s Jackpot is £1,150.

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VIEW FROM THE PRESS BOX Doug Shulman TICKET OFFICE Coming up next www.cambridge-united.co.uk

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MarkHeadBonner coach

This time last year we were still just under one month away from the first competitive game of the season. The Carabao Cup was that competition and Birmingham City the challenge. In what we all know was an unusual year, we played in two cup competitions prior to the league start.

Whilst this year has followed a more usual pattern from the outset, we want to use the Carabao Cup in the same way as last year. So early in the season, we are still building fitness levels, organisation and partnerships all over the pitch. We see tonight as a chance to fulfil all of that criteria with the obvious ambition of wanting to progress to the second round.

Swindon Town may see the game similarly with their well-known story of a tough summer and will be delighted with their winning start on Saturday at Scunthorpe

United. We know all too well how challenging such periods can be and for supporters to see life at their club unravel.

We wish them well under new ownership and management.

For us tonight, we want to take another step from Saturday in what was a really positive afternoon against Oxford. The standard of the game was good and whilst we know we will improve, and we will have to improve, we deserved something from the game and we hope that may settle some tension.

The atmosphere Saturday was unlike anything for some time. A real party atmosphere, supportive, loud and energetic.

The best of The Abbey. It was great to see so many and to welcome everyone back.

We can look forward to many more days like it and overcoming this challenge together. ■ www.cambridge-united.co.uk

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Welcome to Swindon Town, who come to the Abbey hot on the heels of a strong away 1-3 win against Scunthorpe on Saturday.

This time last year we kicked off our season with a first round tie in the Carabao Cup against Birmingham City. To the surprise of many we won as we were tipped as candidates for relegation by many pundits.

How could we possibly beat a team in the Championship? It was clearly not the first time the pundits were wrong last season…

Our game on Saturday was the first time we had away fans for over 17 months and saw the largest crowd at the Abbey since we played Plymouth in April 2016. Our attendance of 6,444 was well above our League 2 average, pre Covid, of 4,300. The cheering, enthusiasm and sheer joy has been missing for too long.

As we gear up to having large crowds there are some areas where improvements can be made and it was helpful of CUSP to pull together feedback for us to work on. Some of the points raised were already in our thinking, for example the opening of all of the tea bars. We are working along with our new caterers to make this happen. We are also working on a new Chip/ Pin payment

system to speed up all transactions to reduce queues.

At games where we have spare capacity we are going to open the South Habbin for fans from the North Habbin to move into if they wish to give everyone more space. This will be done for the game against Burton Albion.

We won’t be able to do this for every game as on some occasions we will be able to sell out the stand to away teams and so generate significant revenue for the club. More often than not though this space will be open for our own fans.

Many noticed that the scoreboard at the NRE was not working. This was due to a cable failure and should be resolved very soon. It is no reflection on the quality of the scoreboard which, when working, is very good.

A few have commented on the sound system. We will adjust the volumes and we are exploring how we could make this better overall.

Our aim is to make the fan experience as good as it can be, within the bounds of finance and working with an aged, and much loved Abbey. Please do keep giving us feedback.

For now though, cheer for the U’s and enjoy the game. ■ www.cambridge-united.co.uk

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For the latest news and to share your match day experiences, follow…

EFL

theEFL

EFL

Robbie Cooke 1957-2021 Football people at all levels of the game are mourning the death last week, at the age of 64 after a battle with cancer, of striker turned scout Robbie Cooke.

A livewire forward with a rich goalscoring reputation, Robbie joined Cambridge United in February 1983 and over the following two years scored 17 goals in 75 appearances in all competitions. A friendship forged in the Abbey dressing room later led to him, as chief scout, following former teammate David Moyes to Preston North End, Everton, Manchester United and West Ham United.

Born in Rotherham on 16 February 1957, Robbie made his bow in football at Mansfield Town, having worked his way through the Field Mill youth system. A move to Southern League Grantham Town in 1978 brought him 43 goals in his first season and 39 in his next. Bigger clubs were circling, and in the summer of 1980 he moved to Fourth Division Peterborough United for £12,000.

U’s manager John Docherty was a Cooke admirer and put in early bids for his services, which were denied by Posh. However, in February 1983, after Robbie’s 69 goals in two and a half seasons at London Road, the Doc got his man with a cut-price offer of £10,000. The new arrival was described by his manager as “a fast and direct player who is like quicksilver in the penalty area”.

It was unfortunate for Robbie that his stay at the Abbey, which started when United were in Division Two, coincided with the club’s collapse to the nether regions of the Football League under Docherty and his hapless successor, John Ryan. Nevertheless, after scoring his first goal in amber in April 1983 against the megastars of Newcastle United, he maintained his reputation while playing in a poor team.

He joined Brentford on loan on 31 December 1984 and made the move permanent two months later, a fee of between £20,000 and £25,000 changing hands. “I didn’t want to go back to Cambridge,” Robbie said, “not because of the people there, but I’ve got on well at Brentford. United struggled for most

of the time I was there and the situation had gone from bad to worse.” He was to finish the 1984/85 season as top scorer at both clubs.

His time at Griffin park was fruitful – he scored 64 goals in 150 appearances – but a £30,000 move to Millwall in December 1987 was less successful. Thereafter he dropped back into non-League football with Kettering Town, a return to Grantham and spells at other East Midlands clubs. While at Kettering he won two England C caps.

The 1990s saw Robbie coaching and managing at Grantham, Warboys Town and Kettering, but it was when Moyes asked him to scout for him at Preston that his post-playing career took off.

It took him to the very top of the game, and his loss is felt keenly throughout the football community. ■ Pat Morgan www.cambridge-united.co.uk

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Today’s visitors SWINDON TOWN Swindon Town are welcomed to the Abbey this evening after enduring a turbulent summer at the County Ground, with fans being kept in the dark and not knowing whether they’d have a team to support come the start of the season, as well having to bear the appointment and departure of former Colchester manager John McGreal in the space of 30 days.

However, the Robins visit tonight with a spring in their step following the successful takeover of the club from Australian plumbing magnate, Clem Morfuni, the appointment of head coach Ben Garner and the arrival of ten summer signings - coupled with an opening day victory at Scunthorpe Despite pre-season relegation fears, the appointment of former West Bromwich assistant Head Coach Ben Garner has spread new-found belief within the Swindon camp.

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CAMBRIDGE UNITED F.C. V OXFORD UNITED

After a summer of mass recruitment and the development of a strong-knit unity within the players, staff and fans, the Robins will be aiming for survival as an absolute bare minimum this season in England’s fourth tier – with the club then looking to consolidate their position with each coming summer, now they have some stability.

Swindon’s squad has seen an overhaul following their successful takeover, with no less than ten players being brought into the County Ground. Garner has cast an eye to the future with his acquisitions, with the average age of player arriving being only 21.2 years old – however the return of fan favourite Ben Gladwin and resigning of popular midfielder Anthony Grant suggests that Garner may look to build his squad around the experienced pair.

The Robins’ Pre-Season was largely unsuccessful – winning only one of their

originally planned seven fixtures against fellow town counterparts Swindon Supermarine, with two of their scheduled friendlies cancelled due to “logistical and operational issues at the club”.

However, the tale of Swindon’s pre-season wasn’t to follow with the league season starting, as they travelled to Scunthorpe United on the opening day of the League Two season on Saturday - despite falling a goal behind.

Goals from Jack Payne, Ben Gladwin and Harry McKirdy saw the Robins finish the opening day sitting at the summit of League Two – an incredible position given the weeks of darkness that had surrounded the club prior to the start of the season.​​■

The Head Coach:

Ben Garner • 41 Years Old • Previous Clubs: Crystal Palace (20052012), West Brom (2015-2017), ATK (2019), Bristol Rovers (2019-2020)​

CLICK here TO VIEW PLAYER PROFILES

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From the SLO DAVE MATTHEW-JONES Tonight, we are welcoming Swindon Town to the Abbey Stadium. I first became aware of Swindon when they won the League Cup by beating Arsenal in 1969 on a muddy pitch at Wembley. What Ian Darler would have made of the pitch that day wouldn’t leave much to the imagination.

It shows how much the pitch technology and importance the pitch surface has become. It is also one of the reasons why the national side is doing so much better nowadays.

During the summer the Fans Led Review commenced and the interim findings and recommendations have been forwarded in a letter from Tracey Crouch to Oliver Dowden.

This independent review is a comprehensive examination of the English football system with the aim of exploring ways of improving the governance, ownership and financial sustainability of clubs in the football pyramid, building on the strengths and benefits that the game has.

Following extensive engagement with fans and stakeholders across the whole football community, on which the foundations of this review have been based, this interim set of findings and recommendations sets out the direction of travel towards the final recommendations. Further substantive work will take place over the coming months to feed into the review’s final report in the autumn.

It is really important for supporters, clubs and the game itself that the right conclusions are reached.

One of the projects started over the summer was the Amber Belles and below is an update by Emma Smith who is one of the originators of the scheme.

Over recent months the Amber Belles facebook site has gone from strength to strength and over 140 members. The group now has its own twitter account.

The following has been written by Emma

Smith one of those who set up the group to provide a fuller update.

“The Amber Belles are a group of female U’s fans. We are a supportive community and have a safe social space for us to talk football and share our love for the U’s.

As well as our main hub on Facebook, we can now be followed on Twitter: @theamberbelles. With new Associate Membership of the FSA, we look forward to connecting with other fans groups and sharing ideas and experiences with them.

We’ll be meeting with members of the Lady Imps in September, when we play Lincoln City.”

Some of you will know about the #HerGameToo campaign. It might cause an eye-roll from some, but most of us will agree that verbal and physical abuse on women and girls is never acceptable.

Sadly, it does happen at football matches as was seen in results of their recent survey. Some of the things female fans have endured is sickening. This is why #HerGameToo is so important for the current and next generation of female football fans. Let’s look out for each other, and please report any abuse.

Back to happy news! We’ve been talking with Gareth Daniels about stocking some female-focused items in the club shop and he’s been very supportive of this.

Now that we have a logo, we can use it on Amber Belles merchandise too. I hope to have more news about this soon.

Up the U’s!

Please look after yourself and enjoy following the team home and away this season. The away travel coach for Accrington can be booked here.

Please look after yourself and enjoy following the team home and away this season.

Contact me via email or follow what is happening via the facebook site website or via Twitter @SLOCambridgeUT1 www.cambridge-united.co.uk

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Junior U’s PUZZLES

Bonner’s

Brain

“Tonight I’m r ou going to test y!”

Maths skills

Buster

d of 25, three Our of our squa and 11 played d players are injure fore, so are be t gh ni e th a game ng. ni ai tr m fro d se excu ers take part in How many play n? io the training sess

A B C SPOT THE BALL Answers: BONNER’S BRAIN BUSTER: 11 SPOT THE BALL: C

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CAMBRIDGE UNITED F.C. V OXFORD UNITED

Ten toQUIZTackle 1. As well as a robin, what is featured on Swindon’s current badge? a. a dragon b. a steam engine c. a football d. a thistle

4. In which country would I be if was watching Sporting Braga v Maritimo? a. Spain b. Romania c. Portugal d. Andorra

8. Where was new right back George Williams born in 1993? a. Hillingdon b. Merthyr Tydfil c. Swansea d. Rochester

2. Who was the last player to switch from Swindon to the U’s? a. Kyle Knoyle b. Adam May c. Billy Manuel d. James Dunne

5. The Bantams scrapping with the Grecians, otherwise known as? a. Bradford City v Exeter City b. Preston v WBA c. Morecambe v Port Vale d. Lincoln v Huddersfield

9. Where is U’s keeper Louis Chadwick currently on loan? a. Cambridge City b. Ely City c. St Neots Town d. Haverhill Rovers

6. When was the last season Utd wore primarily amber socks? a. 2015/16 b. 2016/17 c. 2014/15 d. 2013/14 7. Where do Conference North side Bradford Park Avenue play? a. Valley Parade b. Park Avenue c. Oddsall Stadium d. Horsfall Stadium

10. It is well known who purchased Wrexham AFC recently, but who owns the ground? a. Marston’s Brewery b. Wrexham Borough Council c. Arfon Griffiths d. Wrexham Glyndwr University

Answers: 1. B, 2. A, 3. D, 4. C, 5. A, 6. B, 7. D, 8. A, 9. C, 10. D

3. What was unique about Ukraine’s strip in the recent Euros? a. Only one to be manufactured by Umbro b. Only one to be manufactured by New Balance c. Only one to be manufactured by Under Armour d. Only one to be manufactured by Joma

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Memories Down CUT THROAT LANE Evening, all. Hope you enjoyed the game on Saturday, what an occasion and a fair result in the end, I thought? Welcome to our visitors from the old railway town of Swindon although these days it’s probably better known for Zurich Insurance, Honda cars and Diana Dors!

It’s probably about time we did something again in this competition. 1998 and the City Ground does seem a long while ago now.

On this day in 2002 we entertained the Quakers from Darlington in the curtainraiser for our return to League Two action having enjoyed three seasons in the third tier. It also marked the first league encounter played out in front of the new South Stand. I suspect it wasn’t filled with Darlo fans that day, though. Looking at the U’s line up that day I can’t help but think that it wasn’t a bad side. To think that within three years we had fallen off the abyss and in to the Conference. A little taster of things to come perhaps saw us lose 1-2, only our eighth defeat in what was to be 32 league and cup outings against the men formerly from Feethams. Dave Kitson got our solitary goal that day.

Finally, for you guitar freaks out there, a certain Leo Fender was born on this day in 1909. He founded the Fender Electric Instrument Manufacturing Company and was responsible for such greats as the Telecaster, Stratocaster and Precision Bass.

Fender was inducted in to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame a year after his death in 1991.

Enjoy the game. ■

“On this day in 2002 we entertained the Quakers from Darlington in the curtain-raiser for our return to League Two action having enjoyed three seasons in the third tier”

CLICK here TO READ THE ARCHIVE PROGRAMME

Harry

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Hot OffAndrew the Habbin Stephen

“The beginning is always the most important part of the work” Plato How good it was to see and hear the Abbey rocking again on Saturday after nearly 18 months without a proper crowd. Oxford played their part by filling the away end and by making a lot of noise when their team were in the ascendancy. In truth, that was for quite a long time. For devoted Habbinites and indeed for all U’s fans the sight of Mark Bonner coming out to applaud the home support was a moment to savour. More and more obviously, he is one of us.

Oxford are a good side and a really good test for us.

For sometime I thought that they might just be a bit too streetwise for us but our United are not easily beaten, a quality we saw demonstrated again and again last season. Joe Ironside, just as he was for much of last season, was battered throughout the game with absolutely no protection from the referee. Shades of Trevor Benjamin. The Arrival of Sam Smith took some of the pressure off him and suddenly the complexion of the game changed. I hope that we will see

a lot more of the two playing together. They had Oxford seriously worried for the last ten minutes when we might just have nicked it. We needed a good start to the season and got it.

Similarly, Swindon made an impressive start at Scunthorpe and we will need to be at our best tonight. It’s true to say that Swindon is almost certainly the most unlovely place in Wiltshire. Other than the surviving relics of the once glamorous Great Western Railway there is certainly very little to look at. However, the Robins do have real pedigree. Their most memorable achievement was the defeat of Arsenal in the League Cup Final on a ploughed field of a pitch at the real Wembley stadium.

Don Rogers had an inspired game as he often did. Since then their history has been a series of ups and downs. Certainly they have had any number of big names as manager, most notably Ossie Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle and Jimmy Quinn. Glenn Hoddle was scathing about our playing style despite, or perhaps because of, the fact that we beat them a couple of times. Mind you, no one liked being beaten by John Beck’s side, although many illustrious teams were.

Lets hope for a cracking atmosphere at our first evening game for ages and a good game to grace the occasion. ■

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Footballing Idol: Joe Cole Best ever teammate: Wes Hoolahan Boyhood Club: West Ham Toughest Opponent: Wayne Rooney U’s Roommate: Dimitar Mitov Most memorable game: Promotion against Grimsby Favourite musical artist: 80s classics Favourite book: Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike Favourite TV show: Entourage Favourite meal: Pizza

Greg Taylor

Proudest accomplishment: Promotion to League One Dream Holiday: Thailand Best U’s Buddy: Harrison Dunk Go-to Petrol Station Snack: Kit Kat Chunky

Players of all time: Messi, Zidane, Ronaldinho Sports: Football, F1, Golf Films: Superbad, Shawshank Redemption, Hacksaw Ridge Items you couldn’t live without: Phone, Car, Passport

Netflix or YouTube: Netflix Home, Away or Third Kit: Away Premier League or Champions League: Premier League Dogs or Cats: Dogs Messi or Ronaldo: Messi Tea or Coffee: Coffee Early start or Lie-In: Lie-In

PLAYER Q&A

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Around the Division LEAGUE ONE ROUND-UP 1 down, just the 45 to go. Oh, how we’ve men in the driving seat. Matt Butcher gave missed it! If last weekend’s twelve results Stanley hope at the death, but it proved to have taught us anything, it’s that we’ve got be nothing more than a consolation. a tense and excruciatingly tight division A John Brayford header on the half an ahead of us. Before we indulge in Carabao hour mark gave Burton Albion the perfect Cup fever, let’s digest the trials and start as they saw off Shrewsbury Town 0-1 tribulations from the opening week of Sky at the Montgomery Waters Meadow on Bet League One. Saturday. It proved a frustrating return for Rotherham United made the perfect start Steve Cotterill, who was welcomed back to to their third tier return with an assured 2-0 the touchline for the first time since being victory over Ryan Lowe’s Plymouth Argyle. hospitalised with Covid-19 in January.

First-half strikes from Freddie Ladapo - who Portsmouth were the last of six teams to came back to haunt his taste victory as they former club – and Ben defeated “The hosts’ perseverance narrowly Wiles set the Millers on Fleetwood Town 0-1 paid off when talismanic at Highbury. Despite their way to a routine three points. a strong start, the figure Joe Ironside A sublime 74th minute hosts would go on dispatched a penalty free-kick from debutant to rue their missed with 12 minutes to go, Luke McCormick secured opportunities as Lee an opening day 1-2 allowing Mark Bonner’s Brown capitalised comeback win for AFC Pompey on the side the momentum to for Wimbledon against hour mark, nestling finish strongly” Doncaster Rovers. The a sweet effort into hosts drew first blood the bottom corner to through Charlie Seaman before prodigy satisfy manager Danny Cowley.

Ayoub Assal equalised to pave the way for Managerless MK Dons were forced to a McCormick to ensure maximum points. share of the spoils with Bolton Wanderers Sunderland came from behind to defeat after a thrilling 3-3 draw at the University Wigan Athletic 2-1 at the Stadium of Light. of Bolton Stadium. In a topsy-turvy clash, Starting in rapid fashion, a well-worked where both sides had to claw back losing Latics move was finished off by Gwion deficits, a last-gasp equaliser from Alex Edwards before Aiden McGeady worked Baptiste rescued an applaudable point for up an instant reply from the penalty spot. the Trotters.

Ross Stewart made the headlines for the Ipswich Town needed late drama to Black Cats, sinking his opponents with the salvage a point in an entertaining 2-2 winner eight minutes into the second half. draw against newcomers Morecambe at Wycombe Wanderers started the season Portman Road. Cole Stockton handed the as they meant to go on by downing Shrimps the lead with an astounding solo Accrington Stanley 2-1 at Adams Park. The goal before Scott Fraser levelled for the Chairboys attacked with momentum from Tractor Boys moments after the break. the get go; a quickfire early double from Stockton looked to have gained the visitors Garath McCleary put Gareth Ainsworth’s a memorable three points after grabbing

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CAMBRIDGE UNITED F.C. V OXFORD UNITED

his brace on the 72nd minute, that was until stoppage time chaos ensued when substitute Macauley Bonne latched on to a flick-on.

Cambridge United’s first League One game since 2002 constituted a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Oxford United at a fired up Abbey Stadium. The away side were a goal to the good at the interval after Steve Seddon lashed a volley into the far corner on 42 minutes, but the hosts’ perseverance paid off when talismanic figure Joe Ironside dispatched a penalty with 12 minutes to go, allowing Mark Bonner’s side the momentum to finish strongly.

Fellow newcomers Cheltenham Town snatched a 1-1 stalemate against Crewe Alexandra - a performance that they’ll take confidence from. Despite falling behind from a well-executed Mikael Mandron finish,

veteran Andy Williams was alert to punish a defensive mistake and secure a return from Gresty Road with a point to the Robins’ name.

Despite a rampant start, Lincoln City were pegged back and made to work for their 1-1 draw away at Steve Evans’ Gillingham. Tayo Edun put last season’s play-off finalists ahead after just four minutes at Priestfield, but the Gills hit back on the stroke of half-time when Danny Lloyd bundled home to claim a point.

Neither Charlton Athletic or Sheffield Wednesday could conjure up a goal in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Saturday evening, the only goalless encounter in the division. The electric atmosphere at the Valley made it a cagey encounter, where the Owls caused havoc for the hosts throughout, despite the Addicks arguably creating the better chances. ■ Owen Mizon

SKY BET LEAGUE ONE MATCHDAY 1 TEAM OF THE WEEK:

ALEX BASS Portsmouth

JOHN BRAYFORD Burton Albion

WES HARDING Rotherham

AKIN FAMEWO Charlton Athletic

LEE BROWN Portsmouth

LYNDEN GOOCH Sunderland

SCOTT TWINE MK Dons

LUKE MCCORMICK AFC Wimbledon

COLE STOCKTON Morecambe

ROSS STEWART Sunderland

GARATH MCCLEARY Wycombe Wanderers

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Academy UPDATE Cambridge United youngster Kai Yearn has returned from England U17s Training Camp, the second time he has been called up by his country this year.

Kai, 15, who has been at the Club since the age of six, is the latest U’s Academy player to reach this milestone.

The feedback received from the FA Staff has been really positive about both his performances on the pitch and his character off the pitch.

He will be hoping that his performances will have perhaps improved his chances of making the U17 European Championship qualifying squad.

“We are really proud of Kai and his performances throughout pre-season warrant his selection again.” Academy Manager Tom Pell said.

“Having watched Kai last Thursday on camp, I felt that he looked more than comfortable in the squad surrounded by some extremely talented young players. Being the only player from a Category 2 or 3 Academy, it highlights the difficulty in making the squad

but confirms the qualities he possesses.

“He still has a lot to improve but we are really confident he will fulfil his potential because of the personal qualities he has. He is so humble, hardworking and loves nothing more than having the ball at his feet. We really hope he can continue to get exposure to the national squad in addition to his program with ourselves.”

Kai will be hoping that his performances will have improved his chances of making the U17 European Championship qualifying squad. ■

www.cambridge-united.co.uk

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Women UPDATE Now it’s about continuing our progress each week and continuing the process of gelling as a team with new players having joined from last season.

I am very happy with the squad we have and with the competition we have for places in the squad, and for the starting 11.

The whole group of players and staff are looking forward to the start of the League campaign this coming Sunday, and we hope to see as many Cambridge United fans as possible through the season to support the team and the club.

Up the U’s ■

Darren Marjoram:

Firstly, I would like to wish good luck to the Men’s team this evening for their Carabao Cup match against Swindon Town. Last Saturday’s performance and atmosphere was exceptional and a really exciting start to the season.

After a good pre-season with lots of varied challenges in our schedule, we have now reached the last week before the season’s opening fixture against Actonians.

The players have been taking on board the way we want to play, and the specifics of what that means for each player in various areas of the pitch and progress has been good.

The players have worked tirelessly all preseason to learn the systems we want in place and to hit the season at a competition level of fitness.

Upcoming First Team Fixtures: 15 August 2021 Actonians – Away 22 August 2021 Enfield Town - Home 29 August 2021 Harlow Town – Away 5 September 2021 Kent Football Utd – Home Both the First Team and Development Team play their home matches at St Neots Town FC on Sunday’s at 2pm. Come along and support the U’s Women!

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CAMBRIDGE UNITED F.C. V OXFORD UNITED

Community Trust Forever United

With fans being able to return to The Abbey once again, excitement has been building over the weeks and non-more so than amongst our senior fans. Over the first lockdown period Cambridge United Community Trust reached out to our most at risk fans who were asked to shield by the government. We quickly set up a ‘Here for U’s’ telephone line to which our vulnerable fans could ring up for a chat, ask for support with shopping or help with deliveries - as well as providing meals for those in need. We recognise that the need for consistent support to our local senior residents is not something that is only required during a pandemic, therefore over the months we developed a programme now known as ‘Forever United’. This programme offers seniors a reliable contact who can support by keeping them in contact with friends, provide social activities from home (garden gate visits, online social events) as well as phone calls, activity packs and more.

As restrictions eased, we have been able to offer both walking football and super vets football, some in person meet ups - outdoors, jolly joggers, as well as continue the online socials as part of the programme. Over the next few months, we will also see the

reintroduction of the ever popular afternoon teas and lunches at the stadium, as well as the dementia sport cafes. We are in the process of employing an additional member of staff, a Forever United Project Officer, to work alongside Simon Wall (Communities Engagement Manager) who can help grow the programme by offering additional physical and social activities for our seniors, such as strength and balance classes, health walks and a men’s shed to name a few.

We are working closely with the City Council, local volunteer groups and community-based services to ensure this programme can be sustainable over time, as well as reach more individuals who would benefit, to ensure we can not only support seniors (United fans or not) but also empower them to feel confident in returning to activities they once enjoyed, as well as try new ones that will benefit their physical and mental health.

For more information or if you are interested in volunteering at any of the activities provided through the Forever United programme, please get in contact with Simon via email: simon.wall@cambridgeunited.co.uk www.cambridge-united.co.uk

29

A BIG SEASON IN STORE VISIT THE NEW CAMBRIDGE UNITED STORE AT GRAND ARCADE

View from the Press Box Doug Shulman Last Saturday proved one of those unforgettable days at the Abbey, with returning fans swelling the crowd to a sizeable 6,444.

They were treated to a fantastic opening day of the season too, as the U’s got their first campaign in League One for more than 19 years, up and running.

I mentioned in this column last weekend, how much supporters had been missed, with Mark Johnson and I, along with our media colleagues, travelling up and down the country throughout last season to cover games in empty stadiums. But, until last Saturday, I did not realise just how much. I arrived just before 1.00pm, as I always do, with the atmosphere already building and, that reached a crescendo both when the players exited the tunnel at 3.00pm and, memorably, when Joe Ironside knocked in his dramatic second-half equaliser.

Those moments are why we love football in the way we do.

“Mark Bonner’s men grew into the game against a very good Oxford side and looked stronger as the minutes ticked by” To be covering a game of that nature is special and, I was certainly not on my own amongst the press throng, in getting a little carried away when Joe’s penalty bulged the proverbial onion bag. To see the majority of the Abbey crowd – notably the biggest since 6,714 crammed in to see the 2-2 with Plymouth back in April 2016 – bouncing in delight, is one that will live long in the memory.

Mark Bonner’s men grew into the game against a very good Oxford side and looked stronger as the minutes ticked by. Some may say they were let off the hook after the visitors passed up a couple of glorious chances to extend their

lead but, this U’s side have a knack of staying in the game and never giving up, hence their reward of a point. A characteristic that will serve them well this year.

After tonight’s cup action we hit the road for two long trips, with Accrington this Saturday being followed by the 600-mile round trip to Plymouth next Tuesday. The BBC pool car will, therefore, be getting a good run-out, whilst we renew regular acquaintance with the motorway service stations which have become akin to reliable old friends over the years! ■ www.cambridge-united.co.uk

31

Giving Football Back to Small Business At eBay, we know small business and football clubs used to be like chips and gravy, two peas in a pod – a match made in community heaven.

Ironmongers, ship workers, spring makers and cobblers, all formed clubs which decades later are still prospering.

But nowadays, you’d think it was all eyewatering transfers, Super Leagues and mega sponsors, detached from the humble origins of our historic clubs.

That’s why eBay are proud to support 300,000 small businesses who help power EFL clubs nationwide. We’ll be donating our advertising space to a lot of these businesses – on match day hoardings, around grounds and beyond – throughout the coming season, to ensure they can continue to thrive in our local communities.

So, join us in giving your support to Small Business Power, because today, they need us more than ever.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

2021 / 2022

Offi c i al C lu b Pa rtn e rs L I S T P ri m ary Partner s

S ec ondary Partner s

CFU Corner Ben Phillips & Andrew Stephen

It was wonderful to see fans back at the Abbey for our first game on Saturday against Oxford.

It has been a long time coming and your support for Mark Bonner’s side was nothing short of incredible.

We have had a number of concerns raised by fans attending the game, including long teabar queues, poor service in the food outlets and complaints that there were not enough printed programmes for those who can’t get online or pay a subscription for one.

Several people suggested that there is still a significant demand for printed programmes, both from collectors and from those who want to know which players to look out for.

We have listened carefully to fans’ concerns on Matchdays and are working closely with CUSP to raise these issues with the relevant people at the Club, so they can be looked into and rectified where possible.

We were saddened to hear of a few fans who struggled with anxiety at being back in large crowds so soon after the pandemic, and who found it overwhelming and daunting.

Again, we want you to know you are not alone and we are always willing to try and help you in some way. We are still working with the club at trying to create a specific area in the ground for the elderly and vulnerable to sit on a Matchday.

If you know someone who you think would benefit from this initiative and opportunity, please do contact us either via email or at the CFU Caravan on a Matchday.

We are always keen to know of fans whose needs are not being met so that we can try to get them addressed.

Sport is a very good way of bringing people

34

CAMBRIDGE UNITED F.C. V OXFORD UNITED

together and a powerful way of showing how we can look out for each other. One of CFU’s aims is to look out for and support fellow fans.

We recently learnt of an autistic fan called Mark, who we know through the Club’s Community Trust Walking Football session.

He has been a die-hard U’s fan for a number of years, attending many games, but has recently struggled with a number of family bereavements and is struggling with his mental health and finances.

Watching Cambridge United is one of the things that improves his health and we were saddened to hear that he had been worried he wouldn’t be able to afford to attend games this year.

CFU has therefore decided to step in and help him by sponsoring his Season Ticket for this season to ensure he could attend games, so his mental health would improve.

The pandemic has, I hope, made us all more aware of our responsibilities to the community.

We can all make a difference.

It is important we look out for each other more now than ever, the pandemic has taught us to be kind to one another.

We aim to help more fans in similar situations and every year sponsor a fan who needs help with their Season Ticket.

We believe that every fan should feel safe, welcome and properly catered for at our ground.

If you have concerns to raise or would like to find out more about what CFU do, please email us on cambridgefansunited@outlook. com or CLICK HERE to visit our website.

United in Endeavour ■

Player Sponsors 1. Dimitar Mitov

2. George Williams

3. Jack Iredale

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

PAUL MOWER

DAVE THORNHILL & PAT WHYMER

COLIN TAYLOR J C HOME DESIGN

STEVE BUCKLES

5. Greg Taylor

6. Lloyd Jones

7. James Brophy

8. Liam O’Neil

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

WENDY TWINN

THE DEADLY DUO CARL BADCOCK & GRAHAM APPLETON

D C CARPETS LTD

WENDY TWINN

9. Joe Ironside

10. Sam Smith

11. Harrison Dunk

13. Kai McKenzie-Lyle

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

HOCKEYS

WEST END LEASING LIMITED

COLIN TAYLOR J C HOME DESIGN

PAUL MOWER

14. Wes Hoolahan

16. Jensen Weir

17. Leon Davies

18. Shilow Tracey

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

A & R HAULAGE (UK) LTD

36

4. Paul Digby

A & R CONTAINERS LTD

CAMBRIDGE UNITED F.C. V OXFORD UNITED

COVERSURE INSURANCE SERVICES (CAMBRIDGE)

Sponsored by

WENDY TWINN

TO SPONSOR A PLAYER FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON, PLEASE CONTACT COMMERCIAL@CAMBRIDGE-UNITED.CO.UK

19. Adam May

20. Andy Dallas

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

25. Will Mannion

23. Jack Lankester

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

CAMBRIDGE GAS SERVICES LTD

WENDY TWINN

SIMON LANKESTER

PAUL MOWER

26. Harvey Knibbs

27. Ben Worman

28. Liam Bennett

29. Tom Dickens

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

A & R HOLDINGS (SUFFOLK) LTD

K J HUNT LTD

COLIN WARN LARNACA PRO CYCLE HIRE

Mark Bonner

Gary Waddock

Sponsored by

WENDY TWINN

Barry Corr Sponsored by

C B GROUNDWORKS

Sponsored by

A & R COMMERCIALS LTD

Sponsored by

DENNIS RAWLINGS

Mark Bunn Sponsored by

C B GROUNDWORKS

Gordon Millar Sponsored by

C B GROUNDWORKS

www.cambridge-united.co.uk

37

The Stat Pack Fixtures & Results LEAGUE TABLE

38

PLAYERS P

W

D

L

F

A GD P

21/22 Apps

21/22 Goals

21/22 Totals

CUFC Career

Lge

Cups

Lge

Cups

Apps

Goals

Apps Goals

1

Rotherham United

1

1

0

0

2

0

2

3

Beckett

Harvey

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

AFC Wimbledon

1

1

0

0

2

1

1

3

Bennett

Liam

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

3

Sunderland

1

1

0

0

2

1

1

3

Brophy

James

1

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

4

Wycombe Wanderers

1

1

0

0

2

1

1

3

Dallas

Andrew

0

0

0

0

0

0

33

2

5

Burton Albion

1

1

0

0

1

0

1

3

Davies

Leon

0

0

0

0

0

0

64

0

Dickens

Tom

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

6

Portsmouth

1

1

0

0

1

0

1

3

Digby

Paul

1

0

0

0

1

0

42

0

7

Bolton Wanderers

1

0

1

0

3

3

0

1

Dunk

Harrison

0

0

0

0

0

0

383

22

8

MK Dons

1

0

1

0

3

3

0

1

Hannant

Luke

0

0

0

0

0

0

77

8

9

Ipswich Town

1

0

1

0

2

2

0

1

Hoolahan

Wes

1

0

0

0

1

0

37

7

Iredale

Jack

1

0

0

0

1

0

46

4

10

Morecambe

1

0

1

0

2

2

0

1

Ironside

Joe

1

0

1

0

1

1

50

15

11

Cambridge United

1

0

1

0

1

1

0

1

Jobe

Mamadou

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

12

Cheltenham Town

1

0

1

0

1

1

0

1

Jones

Lloyd

1

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

Knibbs

Harvey

0

0

0

0

0

0

62

12

13

Crewe Alexandra

1

0

1

0

1

1

0

1

Knoyle

Kyle

0

0

0

0

0

0

81

3

14

Gillingham

1

0

1

0

1

1

0

1

Lankester

Jack

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

15

Lincoln City

1

0

1

0

1

1

0

1

MANNION

WILL

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

May

Adam

0(1)

0

0

0

0(1)

0

47

3

McKenzie-Lyle Kai

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

16

Oxford United

1

0

1

0

1

1

0

1

17

Charlton Athletic

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

Mitov

Dimitar

1

0

0

0

1

0

82

0

18

Sheffield Wednesday

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

Okedina

Jubril

0

0

0

0

0

0

15

0

19

Accrington Stanley

1

0

0

1

1

2

-1

0

O'Neil

Liam

1

0

0

0

1

0

123

4

20

Doncaster Rovers

1

0

0

1

1

2

-1

0

Simper

Lewis

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

Smith

Sam

0(1)

0

0

0

0(1)

0

35

8

21

Wigan Athletic

1

0

0

1

1

2

-1

0

Taylor

Greg

1

0

0

0

1

0

353

6

22

Fleetwood Town

1

0

0

1

0

1

-1

0

Tracey

Shilow

1

0

0

0

1

0

18

1

23

Shrewsbury Town

1

0

0

1

0

1

-1

0

Weir

Jensen

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

24

Plymouth Argyle

1

0

0

1

0

2

-2

0

Williams

George

1

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

Worman

Ben

0

0

0

0

0

0

6

1

CAMBRIDGE UNITED F.C. V OXFORD UNITED

FIXTURES DATE

OPPONENT

SUBS

GK SUB

AUGUST 2021 Sat 7th Oxford United

H 1-1

TUE 10TH Swindon Town (LC1)

H

SAT 14TH Accrington Stanley

A

TUE 17TH Plymouth Argyle

A

SAT 21ST Burton Albion

H

SAT 28TH Bolton Wanderers

H

Mitov

Williams

Jones

Taylor

Iredale

Digby

O'Neil*

Brophy

Tracey**

Hoolahan Ironside 1p

Smith**

Dunk

Okedina

May*

Knibbs

Worman

Mannion

SEPTEMBER 2021 SAT 4TH Doncaster Rovers

A

SAT 11TH Lincoln City

H

SAT 18TH Portsmouth

H

TUE 21ST Tottenham Hotspur U21 (EFLTG) H SAT 25TH Fleetwood Town

H

tue 28th Gillingham

H

october 2021 sat 2nd Crewe Alexandra

a

sat 9th Morecambe

a

sat16th Ipswich Town

h

tue 19th Sheffield Wednesday

h

sat 23rd Shrewsbury Town

a

sat 30th AFC Wimbledon

h

november 2021 sat 6th FA Cup 1st Round

-

tue 9th Stevenage (EFLTG)

a

sat 13th MK Dons

a

sat 20th Rotherham United

A

tue 23rd Wigan Athletic

h

sat 27th Sunderland

h

december 2021 tue 7th Cheltenham Town

A

sat 11th Charlton Athletic

a

sat 18th Rotherham United

h

sun 26th Wycombe Wanderers

A

wed 29th Doncaster Rovers

h

january 2021 sat 1st Portsmouth

h

sat 8th Bolton Wanderers

A

sat 15th Lincoln City

a

sat 22nd Crewe Alexandra

h

sat 29th Fleetwood Town

a

february 2021 sat 5th Wycombe Wanderers

H

tue 8th Gillingham

a

sat 12th Burton Albion

a

sat 19th Accrington Stanley

h

tue 22nd Plymouth Argyle

h

sat 26th Oxford United

A

march 2021 sat 5th Shrewsbury Town

H

sat 12th Sheffield Wednesday

A

sat 19th MK Dons

H

sat 26th AFC Wimbledon

A

april 2021 sat 2nd Ipswich Town

A

sat 9th Morecambe

H

fri 15th Wigan Athletic

a

mon 18th Charlton Athletic

h

sat 23rd Sunderland

a

sat 30th Cheltenham Town

h

*/**/*** Denotes substitutions # Match won on penalties P Penalty 1 Number of goals scored

www.cambridge-united.co.uk

39

Ticket Office Burton Albion

Sky Bet League One • The Abbey Stadium • Saturday 21st August 3pm The Brewers are our next visitors to the Abbey Stadium in a week on Saturday and tickets are available now at the following prices:

Advance Match Ticket Prices

Newmarket Rd North Habbin

Main Stand Family Enclosures

Main Stand Blocks B, E, F & AC 1, 2

Main Stand Blocks C & D

Adult

£18

£19

£22

£24

Concessions*

£14

£14

£17

£20

Under 18

£8

£8

£10

£18

Under 12

£5

£5

£5

N/A

Wheelchair Disabled

£15

AWAY DAYS:

Tickets are also now available for the first two away games of the season as long trips to Accrington Stanley and Plymouth Argyle await.

Accrington Stanley

Plymouth Argyle

• Adults: £20 • Concessions (+64): £15 • Students: £15 • 12-17 years: £10 • U12s: £5

• Adults: £20 • Over 65s: £16 • Under 23s: £12 • Under 18s: £7 • Under 12s: £5

Sky Bet League One • The Wham Stadium • Saturday 14th August 3pm

Sky Bet League One • Home Park • Tuesday 17th August 7:45pm

CFU’s Away Travel is also available to book now for this Saturday’s match in Accrington.

Visit CambridgeFansUnited.org to secure your seat.

HOW TO BUY:

CLICK here TO BUY YOUR TICKETS

Call 01223 566500 (Option 1) or by purchasing from the Abbey Stadium Ticket Office during our Opening Hours. www.cambridge-united.co.uk

41

Team Sheet Line-Ups & Officials Cambridge United

Swindon Town

HEAD COACH: Mark Bonner Amber & Black

HEAD COACH: Ben Garner Red & White

DIMITAR MITOV 1

GEORGE WILLIAMS 2

JACK IREDALE 3 PAUL DIGBY 4

GREG TAYLOR 5

LLOYD JONES 6

JAMES BROPHY 7 LIAM O’NEIL 8

JOE IRONSIDE 9 SAM SMITH 10

HARRISON DUNK 11

KAI MCKENZIE-LYLE 13 WES HOOLAHAN 14

JUBRIL OKEDINA 15 JENSEN WEIR 16 LEON DAVIES 17

SHILOW TRACEY 18 ADAM MAY 19

ANDY DALLAS 20

JACK LANKESTER 23 WILL MANNION 25

HARVEY KNIBBS 26 BEN WORMAN 27

LIAM BENNETT 28

1 JOJO WOLLACOTT 2 AKIN ODIMAYO 3 ELLIS IANDOLO 4 DION CONROY

5 ROMONEY CRICHLOW 6 MATHIEU BAUDRY 7 BEN GLADWIN

8 JORDAN LYDEN

9 TYREECE SIMPSON 10 JACK PAYNE

11 HARRY MCKIRDY 12 LEWIS WARD

22 KAINE KESLER HAYDEN 24 ROB HUNT

25 LOUIS REED 26 RYAN EAST

29 HARRY PARSONS

30 MOHAMMAD DABRE 31 DONELL GORDON

32 GEORGE COWMEADOW 33 LEVI FRANCIS

34 HARRISON MINTURN 42 ANTHONY GRANT

MAMADOU JOBE 30

Match Officials

Referee - Trevor Kettle Assistant Referee - Daniel Cook Assistant Referee - Andrew Anylott Fourth Official - Tom Bishop Copyright © 2021 Hashtag Digital Media Ltd, All rights reserved