March 2018

“Spring time is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.”Lewis Grizzard

Opening Evolution,

It’s been an interesting month already in a fairly undistinguished, not to say disappointing, season, given the pre-season excitement about our prospects. Many of our summer signings failed to live up to our expectations and Shaun Derry never quite lived up to the promise of his first half season. Indeed, when Joe Dunne took over there were very real fears of a relegation fight. Every season there is a side which suddenly plummets into the danger zone. Grimsby fans will certainly bear witness to that.

It is a testament to our improvement that the home defeat to Swindon came as a bit of a shock, the diamond being overwhelmed by a midfield four and what we’ve all come to recognise as ‘new manager syndrome’.

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AMBER NEWS Special “Ides of March” Edition

There is no doubt that the team is playing with more flair and purpose, giving a good account of themselves against the division’s best teams. Goals scored deep into time added on show that this Cambridge side keep going right to the end. Our fans will tolerate lack of ability but never lack of effort. Not surprisingly, the relationship between the team and the fans has improved no end and

their goal scoring celebrations have clearly shown that. Joe claims that he is doing nothing different to what Shaun Derry had been doing. He is a modest man, but it is obvious that problems behind the scenes affected the confidence and performance of the team. As the club continues to readjust, it is clear that re-engaging with the fans is a priority for the club, which is now run in a more collegiate way. One hopes that rumours circulating amongst fans will be dispelled at next month’s Shareholders’ Meeting. What is certain, however, is that Paul Barry is a fan and, as such, is committed to real transparency. As a successful

businessman, he is also committed to running the club as efficiently as possible, recognising that, well supported as we are, we are a League Two side – ambitious for promotion admittedly – and the club needs to be run accordingly.

Accrington Stanley has shown what is possible on a much lower budget when the team, the manager and the fans are in close accord. That must be our ambition whilst seeking to develop a stadium which serves the community, and which brings in income all year round.

The rest of the season will see some experimentation within the first team as preparation for next year. At the end of the season we will see whether Joe Dunne has done enough to earn the job permanently or, indeed, whether he would accept it. We won’t make the play offs but our last few games promise to be very interesting.

Hall of Fame EveningOver the years I have heard a great many people say how many former United players end up living in Cambridge. Many openly declare their love for the club and often say that their years spent here were the happiest of their careers. We are particularly lucky that Coconuts devote so much energy and time to fostering our links with former players, gradually inducting those who have served the club with distinction into the Cambridge United Hall of Fame.

The latest six were an interesting mixture of United legends, all of whom are clearly worthy of the honour. Wilf Mannion is, I think, universally recognised as the greatest player ever to wear our shirt. It sometimes seems that fate conspired for him to be playing for us just at the time when our ambitions were beginning to grow. Bill Leivers undoubtedly amazed and delighted fans by promising and delivering promotion to the Football League – a very different kind

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of three-year project. I haven’t forgiven him yet for not giving Rodney Slack, a quite fantastic goalkeeper, the chance he so well deserved to play in the Football League. However, because of him, I got to see Butcher, Cassidy, Eades, Hardy, Leggat, George Harris, and the others, in a team which terrorised the Southern League and which played with such style in our first few years in the League.

Richard Money took us back into the League and led us to two Wembley triumphs in a year, after we had suffered two heartbreaking defeats during our years in exile from the Football League. I was glad that we were connected by video link. I think I

am still a little afraid of his death stare.

Most interesting recipient of the award, I thought, was Dudley Arliss, who raised millions through his innovative and hugely successful lottery scheme. Games are won on the pitch by gifted and committed players and inspired management. But the way a club is led and structured is just as vital. Without the revolution Dudley Arliss accomplished in the club’s commercial operation, Cambridge could not have afforded its rise into the Football League.

Alan Biley and Shaggy Taylor would be among my first choices for any United Hall of Fame. Alan Biley was the best player I ever saw in a Cambridge shirt. He could score goals even when the team were struggling, as sure a sign of class as there could be. He was full of praise for United and its fans, saying that without the club he wouldn’t have a career. He was generous in his praise, too, of Steve Fallon who deserved to go into higher things but stayed loyal to the club. Shaggy scored hatfulls of memorable goals for the U’s in more recent years. He was an inspiration and I remember his performance at Nottingham Forest in particular when he led us to a 3-3 draw after we had been 3-0 down. He was overcome by emotion after accepting his award, explaining his continuing love for the club and that he had given everything for it. Fans always recognise that in a player and love them in return. He told me that he would come and play walking football with us one of these days. We would be honoured.

It was delightful to share a room with our heroes and we were fortunate to share a table with Andy Sinton, a lovely man who played at the highest level. He remains humble despite his achievements and was great company.

Another great evening, Pat Morgan. Thank you and more please!

View from the HabbinLuton Town March 3rd

Despite the worst that the Beast from the East could throw at this part of East Anglia, groundsman Ian Darler and his magnificent team of volunteers did the almost impossible and gave a pitch to play

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football on at the Abbey stadium. On Friday night 4 inches of snow covered my garden. No chance I thought, but what a Herculean effort by all.

So with only a handful of games in the entire country, the small matter of playing league leaders Luton Town would be today’s task, it was to be quite a game. Just short of 6800 including an impressive 2400 from near neighbours Luton, braved the cold, as both teams set about the business

of the day. Of course it was only a few short months ago that we lost 7-0 at Luton, so we really needed no incentive today.

The U’s kicked off and had the leaders pinned back for the opening minutes with Ikpeazu hoping to profit from a defensive mistake, but the ball was cleared. Ikpeazu who was making his physical presence tell then laid on a chance for Elito but again defences were on top and the chance was gone. Visiting keeper Stech then dropped simple crosses twice. As Ikpeazu closed on for the kill, the keeper picked up. Third time lucky. Deegan then shot at goal, but the ball took a deflection which slowed the shot into the grateful arms of Stech. Former U, Luke Berry was almost through after clever play by prima ballerina Danny Hylton, but the ball ran away from him. The leaders were getting into the game.

Stech then flapped at another cross but as Ikpeazu clashed with the keeper the inevitable free kick followed. Deegan was letting Berry know he was in town with a couple of hard tackles. Luke did not react well and for the first of several moans complained to the referee. Luke did look a little on the bulky side, was it all muscle? Luton’s D’Ath then tried to impede the barnstorming bulldozer but hurt himself in the process. He limped around for a few moments before being subbed by Luke Gambin. Halliday then fouled Downes and was booked. The free kick came to nothing. Suddenly Luton went through the gears and it was easy to see why they sit at the top. In Hylton and Collins they have good quality strikers and Berry was finding his passing feet. Gambin was making his presence felt and cracked a shot across goal which hit the outside of the post. That was close. So after their early slumbers the visitors were finding their men and after 32 minutes Luton fashioned a goal from nothing. Hylton hit a cross shot which home keeper Forde got down to parry at full stretch but Collins was lurking at the near post to force home from 6 yards. 1-0 to the Hatters. Deegan then crunched Berry again, the skipper picking up a yellow whilst Berry got up to complain to the referee once more. Then just as it looked as if Berry had made it 2-0 Referee John Brooks saw a handball by

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Hylton and the goal was disallowed. Hylton then stabbed a shot just wide before a late chance from Jevani Brown nearly brought an equaliser. The first half finished 1-0 to the leaders who had taken a real grip on the game.

Luton were at it again putting the home team under pressure with Taft clearing following a through ball. Berry went down in the area following another challenge from Deegan. The referee was not impressed, Berry making himself more unpopular by chirping in the ear of the referee. This time earning a telling off. Then Luton started the rough stuff with first Downes cutting down Elito who was at full speed. A yellow for the Luton man. Collins then missed a sitter from a cross, 2-0 now would make it very tough. Collins was to feature more in the game later. Waters then set up the impressive Halliday whose daisy-cutter didn’t really bother Stech. Then the expected change came midway through the second half with George Maris and David Amoo coming on for O’Neil and the unlucky Elito.

Prima ballerina Hylton tried his dying swan trick on the edge of the box. He seemed to injure himself and soon left the action and was replaced by Jake Jervis. Potts then missed a chance to finish the game by heading wide from close range. Rea who was being given the run-around by Amoo, lost the

ball, Amoo to Waters to Ikpeazu who shot so high I understand that NASA were tracking the shot which would probably end up in Barton Bendish in darkest Norfolk. Then some blatant cheating from the gifted Collins who tried to punch the ball in following a cross. The punch missed, and the cheat picked up a yellow, oh how costly. Moments

later the referee gave Cambridge a corner when it looked like a goal kick. The corner came to nothing, but Collins in trying to berate the referee earned a second yellow and a red. Plain daft. That’s cost you 2 weeks wages, mate. Potts was trying to equal Collins and hacked down Amoo twice in quick succession, the second earning a yellow for the visitors who had lost their heads. Ibhere came on for Waters as the clock ticked on and the U’s were swarming over the visitors who were resorting to clear-it-anywhere time. Brown went close with a curling shot and Ikpeazu was trying to beat Luton by himself. Once Dunk was unmarked and another time Amoo was by himself. Then following lots of pressure Halliday chipped the ball into the area and Ibhere headed home from 6 yards: 1-1 then.

Cambridge were now completely on top and first Ibhere then Maris had snap shots charged down. Amoo blasted wide when well placed. Luton were feeling the pace and with 4 minutes added on Ikpeazu had the last chance holding off tackles to fire into the corner with keeper Stech pulling off a fine save at full stretch. So the game finished 1-1 with the U’s enjoying their best moments at the start and end of the game. Luton, who will get promoted, played some fine stuff but when Collins pressed the self destruct button, he left his mates in the lurch.

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Ian Darler and the ground staff were made man of the match. With 50% each possession a draw was a fair result. Caretaker Manager Joe Dunne has installed self belief into his team who never gave up today. Great entertainment on a day not meant for football. Great job, Ian Darler.

Ratings

Forde - 6, busier than usual at home games, made some fine saves but no chance with the goal.

Halliday - 8, great performance by Brad both in defence and supporting the attack. Team of the week candidate.

Dunk -6, not sure if playing left back then left wing is asking too much of him, but a fine player who keeps putting a good shift in.

Taylor - 7. Like the rest of the defence kept busy by talented opponents. Never let up and is doing a great job at the back.

Taft -6, given a hard time by Collins and Hylton but stuck to his task well. Can show more composure though when under pressure.

Deegan -6, made his presence felt in the middle but not always within the law. Picked up a yellow but made some terrific tackles, guilty though of being caught in possession a couple of times.

Elito -6, getting back to his best form, made several telling runs but frequently had to drop back to help out in defence.

O’Neil -6, enjoying a fine run in the team but limited opportunities today as he helped out in defence so often. Improving all the time though.

Waters - 7, a fine performance indeed and sacrificed for the team. Never stops running and threatened particularly in the first half.

Brown - 6, in and out game for the new playmaker. Good start and instrumental at the end. Like others had to defend doggedly at times.

Ikpeazu -7, the big man harried all day and was a constant menace. Shooting was a bit wayward, but Luton found it tough to get the ball off him. Would

benefit playing alongside Barry Corr.

Subs

Maris -7, as expected made a big difference when he came on. Got involved in the midfield battle and could have scored right at the death

Amoo -7, made his usual impact as he takes defenders on before making those important crosses count. Can he do it for 90 minutes now?

Ibhere -6, great header earned a point and it was a huge boost to have him back on the bench following a long layoff. Minutes on the pitch will help him return to his best.

Referee. John Brooks - 7 although I thought he gave too many soft free kicks early in the game. He really stepped up when the going got tough.

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Swindon Town March 17thThe Abbey stadium felt more like Siberia in absolute freezing weather with a bitterly cold wind greeting players and spectators as the Ambers took on Swindon Town, now under the management of the likeable Phil Brown who was recently appointed. United had an attacking look about them but the Robins of Swindon who normally play in red decided that green would be the order of the day. Former U James Dunne lined up for the visitors, I would have liked him in our line up this season.

Before the game there was a minute’s applause for the late Professor Stephen Hawking, a truly wonderful person with a brilliant mind, and of course a Cambridge resident. The game kicked off in squally snow showers as both sides tested each other. A decent crowd of around 5200 including an impressive 500 odd from the West Country would need good entertainment to keep warm!! An early Maris corner for the home side found O’Neil but the shot was blocked. Halliday fired in another

effort with visiting keeper Moore pulling off a save. The visitors shouted for a penalty when the ball struck Taft, but it looked unintentional. Jevani Brown then shot wide when well placed. Goal kicks for visiting keeper Moore were causing him problems but the swirling wind was to blame much to the amusement of home fans.

Out of nothing really the visitors took the lead on 15 minutes with the help of some generous defending. Full back Hussey had an age to run down the Left wing and

cross for Luke Norris to head home from six yards with the United centre backs going AWOL. In fact I think that keeper Forde should have come for the cross. A very poor goal to concede 0-1. Referee Swabey appeared easily influenced by visiting players falling down rather too easily and the game became littered with far too many soft free kicks which was breaking up play too often. Another Norris header from close in found home keeper Forde but where were our centre halves once again?!!!

Mullins was guilty of a poor tackle on Harrison Dunk which prompted barely any action from the referee who had appeared whistle happy a little earlier. Dunk received treatment before continuing. Forde then got in a tangle when the visitors whipped in another cross with Taft blocking an effort from Richards before the ball bounced into the arms of the grateful keeper. Boy, are we having a team off day today!!! Dunk then crossed for keeper Moore to flap at again but, unlike the visitors, United offered very little up front. The visitors looked sharp and effective on the break with the home team far too narrow in approach. After 30 minutes it was clear that changes in personnel and tactics were needed. Deegan shot at the keeper, but it was saved easily. Waters then following a corner hit a bicycle kick over his head for former U James Dunne to head off the line. Close, really close. Half time came at 0-1 with the home team well down on performances of recent weeks. The visitors seemed to have their tactics spot on with Ikpeazu isolated-and Dunk in no man’s land.

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The U’s needed to make changes but none were made, and it was frustrating and cold to have to watch more of the same. Following an early Swindon corner Forde had to stretch to keep the ball as he caught it literally on the goal line. Waters and Brown then hit half hearted shots which were dealt with too easily and either player should have really made way for the talent waiting on the bench. Two quick changes then, with Amoo replacing Maris for the home team and Norris making way for Woolley for the visitors. Amoo was straight in the action finding Ikpeazu with a cross but the header

lacked power. A soft free kick then brought the visitors a second goal, Taylor crossing for Richards to head home unmarked. Again poor defending and no communication between keeper and centre halves!!!!! 0-2.

Uche then forced his way into the area. His shot was blocked but fell for Waters whose snap shot was tipped around the post by Moore. United were battling to get back into the game, but time was wasted with Ibhere still unused on the bench. Amoo was making his usual impression

but Ikpeazu was being well marked. O’Neil was then replaced by Ibhere on 70 minutes but even now it appeared too late. Then Halliday and Amoo combined well on the right, crossed, the visitors messed up in defence and Ikpeazu scored from inside the 6-yard box 1-2. Uche then fell in the box but it wasn’t a penalty. Seconds later the visitors won a soft penalty when Halliday was adjudged to have committed a foul. Our lady linesman though already had her flag up on the other side of the pitch as the home team defenders protested. It was soft, and it would have been more professional for referee Swabey to consult his assistant rather than allowing visiting players to put their arms round him following Richards’ successful spot kick 1-3.

In truth the award of man of the match award to David Amoo who was a second half sub summed the day up. Swindon has played well and marked Ikpeazu out of the game, Ibhere and Amoo should have been on much earlier when it was clear the original tactics were not working. Sloppy play in defence may earn a recall for skipper Leon Legge next week. Too many had an off day today. Dunk is wasted at left back. I look forward to Mingoia and Corr returning from injury if just to provide additional alternatives, Ikpeazu is having to carry too much at the moment.

Ratings:

Forde- 5; could have prevented the first goal and looked shaky at times. Well short of his recent form.

Halliday - 6; best of a poor back 4. Plenty of possession linking up well with Amoo. Defending not so good and a little unlucky with the penalty decision.

Taylor - 5; had his hands full with strong opponents but must take his share of the blame for the first 2 goals.

Taft - 5; as with Taylor, not at the races today. Overpowered too easily. Another one down on recent performances.

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Dunk - 5; looked totally lost at left back and is being played in the wrong position. Carroll should have come on to push Dunk up to left wing where he plays his best. Some of our players forgot he was playing, he was isolated and unmarked so many times.

Deegan - 4; not the skipper’s best game, struggled in an ineffective midfield and his passing was often wayward. Well down on recent games.

O’Neil - 4; not able to supply the bite needed in midfield and the narrow system did not suit him. Never really in the game and was subbed.

Maris - 5; in and out game for the usually influential midfielder, looked lively at times but was wasted in this formation.

Brown - 5; surprisingly sluggish today and had nowhere near his usual influence. Was well marked but needs more than Ikpeazu as a target man.

Waters - 5; as always ran his heart out but not really his game against big imposing defenders. Should have made way for Ibhere much earlier but his time will come.

Ikpeazu - 6; often isolated and almost marked out of the game. Took his goal well but close control of the ball lets him down too often. Needs Ibhere or Corr alongside to be at his best.

Subs:

Amoo - 7; makes such a big difference when on the field. Surely time to give him a start now? Looks dangerous every time he gets the ball, beyond me why he doesn’t start.

Ibhere - 5; to be fair not enough time to rescue a lost cause. Must be on at the start now, beginning at Carlisle next week.

Referee Lee Swabey -5 wandered around in the middle and gave far too many soft free kicks. Should have booked Mullins for the foul on Dunk. The controversial penalty did not endear him to the home crowd neither did his somewhat fussy approach. Not the reason we lost the game though.

Crawley Town March 30thThe latest home game at the Abbey stadium saw the mighty ones take on Crawley Town, near neighbours of Gatwick Airport. Yes it was Good Friday but the weather was simply awful. It had rained most of the morning, but the pitch looked to be holding up well. For the Cambridge team changes were for left back Carroll, winger Amoo and forward Jabo Ibhere. Harrison Dunk was playing left wing with the team lining up in an attacking style.

The pitch looked heavy as the day’s showers persisted at kick off time. Today’s attendance was around 4133, which included 199 from creepy Crawley. The U’s kicked off playing nicely and soon won a couple of early corners, the first came to nothing but the second, nicely floated in by Jevani Brown found the head of Ibehre who nodded powerfully home from only a few yards out. 1-0. Dunk

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was then fouled just outside the area but Brown’s resulting free kick was disappointing. Taylor then forced out visiting forward Aherne-Grant who threatened down the left. Ibehre and Amoo were linking up well with Amoo crossing for the ball to drop behind the advancing Dunk.

Grant then had a 1 on 1 with home keeper Forde as the Crawley man chipped the ball over the keeper but the ball ran wide. Following another foul, Maris lined up the ball and curled in a beauty from 25 yards leaving visiting keeper Morris snatching at fresh air as the ball was fired into the corner. 2-0 and looking good. United were knocking the ball around confidently, but the visitors soon woke up and looked impressive on the break. Visiting no 11 Roberts seemed to want to foul anyone in a yellow shirt and gave away a number of free kicks. It was getting feisty between him and home skipper Deegan, both players being lectured by the referee. Following another good move from the hosts, Maris crossed to Amoo who laid it on for Brown who sidestepped his marker before

firing a shot but seeing keeper Morris pull off a good save. Half time then 2-0.

It was now pouring down with rain as the second half started and a few puddles began to show. The visitors were back in the game from the off. A clumsy challenge from Ibehre brought down Yorwerth in the area and referee Craig Hicks pointed to the spot. Josh Payne sent David Forde the wrong way to make it 2-1. The U’s were right back in to the attack and following good work from Amoo, Ibehre headed powerfully goal-wards only for Morris to make a good

save. The players were struggling in the conditions, but the game was quite entertaining now with play moving from end to end. The visitors had a chance when the well-placed Roberts headed goalward at the back post, but Halliday was alive to the danger and diverted the ball wide for a corner. Cambridge then went even closer as Maris curled in a great shot from the edge of the box only for Morris to pull off a stunning save by tipping the ball onto the post. Close but.... Maris then set up Brown following some neat play and Brown beat the offside trap, saw keeper Morris and sidestepped him before side footing home for 3-1. The visitors were desperate to get back in the game and following a 63rd minute free kick Roberts headed narrowly over.

Amoo then smacked in a shot which Morris saved well. Brown then fired in another shot which was deflected wide. Ikpeazu replaced Jabo which made the overworked visiting defence work even harder as the bulldozer took them all on time and again. Waters came on for Amoo with Maris then making way for O’Neil. The ball was getting stuck in the mud as the rain lashed down, but it came to the rescue of the home side just before the end when the ball got stuck in the mud as Roberts looked set to pounce. The 5 minutes of stoppage time were played out as the home team earned a comfortable win. Easter Monday brings a difficult journey to Morecambe, but the boys look in fine form.

Ratings:

Forde. - 6 Another game when he could have read the paper, mind you he would have needed an umbrella. Virtually nothing to do.

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Halliday - 8 Cracking game for the in-form full back. Links up well with Amoo and his defensive and attacking duties are classy to say the least.

Carroll - 7 Good return to the team, quick in the tackle and looked to get forward. Linked up well with Dunk.

Taylor - 7 solid as ever, rode the challenge of the dangerous Aherne - Grant and stood up well.

Taft - 7 Another sound performance, surely worth a contract now. Made several telling headed clearances.

Deegan - 7 Just his sort of game. Got stuck in to the tackle and led the team well. Chased and harried all the time and his passing was better today.

Maris - 8 Man of the Match, George was instrumental in everything today. Took his goal superbly and supplied the front line expertly.

Brown - 7 getting back to his best and benefits from playing alongside Maris and Deegan. Skilful player who took his goal well.

Amoo- 7 great to see him in the side and he certainly made his mark. Sent over a number of crosses which had danger written all over them. The guy is a class act. 100% fitness will see the best of him.

Ibhere - 7 such a presence up front and buried his header well. A real handful for the Crawley defence although guilty of a forward’s tackle to give the penalty away.

Dunk - 7 nice to see him in his best position, like Amoo provides some great crosses and loves to take full backs on.

Subs:

Ikpeazu - 6 unusual to see the big man on the bench but made his usual impression. Shame he gives away so many free kicks.

Waters - 6 Lively as always and stretched the legs of a tiring defence.

O’Neil - 6 on the pitch for a few minutes but settled in well.

Referee Craig Hicks - 8 Probably the best referee this season at the Abbey. Always up with play, kept the game flowing and got all of the big decisions right, even the penalty to Crawley.

Richard Stephen

Mental Health Awareness Evenings

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On March 13th, the Community Trust held its first Mental Health Awareness Evening, supporting the theme of openness and “It’s time to talk”. It was attended by representatives from the ‘Samaritans’ and ‘Mind ‘and ‘Stop Suicide Cambridge’. Ruth Fox, Cambridge United’s Women’s player, talked movingly about her mental health story. Promoting mental health in the community is just one way a football club can, and does, make a difference.

The next event will look specifically at how sport can act as a tool in creating wellbeing.

The community Trust is starting sessions to help those suffering from dementia and a mothers’ and toddlers’ group. This is in addition to the sessions run for senior Citizens, Walking Football, Disability Football and initiatives taking footballers into schools and educating people against racism, bullying and homophobia. Things on the pitch have improved no end but serving the community in these ways is something we should be immensely proud of.

Cambridge United Community Trust

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Walking FootballA Participant’s View

I have always enjoyed playing five a side football in a variety of locations for a variety of groups and also from time to time in competitive leagues. Last Summer I met up again with an old school friend. The friendship goes back a long way. He is a Brighton supporter and we watched the United v Brighton game together in 1979 (0-0) He told me he had recently taken up walking football and that I would really enjoy it.

On my return from China in February 2017 I joined a group in Tonbridge and participated in a number of sessions. What I have enjoyed, which is the case with all sport I have participated in, is the immediate friendship and camaraderie with fellow players and in the first session discovered that one of the participants was the son-in-law of the Cambridge City player manager from the late 50s ("shall grind Cambridge United to the dust") as well as supporters of various teams such as Chelsea, Tottenham, Millwall, West Ham and East Fife. Games are played competitively but also in an excellent spirit. Two of the main differences I have noticed in the games I have played are the differences in passing the ball, a good pass in the running game will often be ineffective. In walking football as a player is unable to move quickly into space, a pass directly to a player is more effective. It is also very difficult to dribble round players as a burst of acceleration is not permitted.

The age range of players is wide and although designed for players of 50+ we have had teenagers who enjoy our sessions and participants of 80+ who have been very good soccer players in the past and still contribute effectively.

I have enjoyed playing whenever I have returned from overseas and last month was delighted to attend a session at Cherry Hinton Leisure Centre. An excellent session took place and it was again a pleasure to meet like minded people, not only United supporters but also a Watford and a Norwich City fan. The session was very well organised by Phil Mullen and the Amber News’ Editor and I formed a dynamic partnership at times??!!! The session finished with tea and refreshments back at the Abbey Arms. An excellent morning’s activity which I would recommend to any footballer of a certain vintage no matter what level of ability.

William Arnold March 2018

CFU at Work13

CFU have had a busy month, collecting questions for the Shareholders’ Meeting, talking about finance to Steve Chamberlain, in correspondence with Paul Barry and putting hundreds of hours into improving the appearance and amenities of the ground. There has been some debate about chants of ‘Yellows’ from the NRE when, as we all know, we are Black and Amber in colour. Helpfully, some of the world’s finest painters have turned the back of the Corona End – Amber and Black. Well done to all of you who report in day after day to make our match experience a more pleasurable one.

We can pat ourselves on the back, too, for the fact that the Luton game went ahead, one of a very few fixtures which survived the Beast from the East. Ian Darler, who reported in at 4am and worked by the light of a floodlight, his ground staff and a good number of volunteers must take the lion’s

share of credit but the hot air blowers, paid for out of profits from the CFU Lottery, and a contribution from CFU, made a crucial difference.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that this purchase plus the support of CFU was instrumental in the Luton game going ahead so many thanks for this and all your continual support.” Andy Beattie.

“Thanks again for purchasing the blowers. Please pass on my thanks to everybody at CFU.” Ian Darler.

We are sometimes criticised for not operating quickly enough or not going public instantly with our concerns and operations but CFU are constantly in dialogue with the club. We don’t comment on playing matters or club decisions unless we are asked to represent the views of supporters. It has been said that we are not militant enough to do the job we do but I think, in time, we will be seen to have done good things as the new structure of the club becomes established. Perhaps some people aren’t sure what a Supporters’ trust is. After our AGM that will be better defined, and, after the Shareholders’ Meeting on APRIL 30 TH, we hope that rumour will be replaced by knowledge.

THE PROPOSED PREMIER LEAGUE WINTER BREAK - WHAT

DO YOU THINK? It has emerged recently that the Premier League (PL), the Football Association and the English Football League (EFL) have been in discussions about implementing a winter break for the English Premier League.

The idea of a winter break has been kicked around for years. Originally it was to avoid the worst of the winter weather but nowadays, given EPL clubs are obliged to have under-soil heating, it is more about helping England players prepare for international tournaments. Europe's other top leagues (in Italy, Germany, France and Spain) plus Scotland already benefit from a break in January. Ours could be introduced as early as the 2019-20 season, with Euro 2020 in mind.

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As the supporter of a lower league team you may ask, so what? Give them a break, time to clean their Lamborghinis and get their beards waxed. But the introduction of any such break will, probably, impact on us, too. It has been suggested that, to accommodate the break without extending the season, FA Cup replays from the 3 rd round would be abolished. Additionally, the FA Cup 4th and 5th rounds could be played mid-week. All of a sudden this has potentially more sinister implications for clubs at lower levels.

So, what do you think of this proposal, and its implications for lower league football?

Whilst the absence of PL matches over the period concerned (likely to be late January and February) may boost EFL attendances, the removal of FA Cup replays and midweek-only rounds could be a serious loss of opportunities for smaller clubs to get a financial boost. As well as the gate money there are large quantities of TV cash at stake these days, too. At United we have recent firsthand

experience of this, of course - who amongst us can forget that night at Old Trafford?

In a recent Football Supporters Federation (FSF) survey only 30% of members were in favour of shifting FAC 4th and 5th round matches to mid-week. The vast majority wanted replays to remain, at least up to the quarter finals. Not a surprise. Paul Tisdale and Michael Flynn, managers of Exeter and Newport respectively, have both spoken out against the suggestion of abolishing

replays. Both have recent personal experience of the huge financial benefits that can result from lucrative FA Cup replays, money that can transform the fortunes of a small football club.

It sounds like a winter break is coming, though. So, if we are not to tinker (further) with the FA Cup, what other options are there to make room for the displaced PL fixtures? Well, it occurs to me that we could abolish the League Cup (for the teenagers, that's the Carabao Cup)! What do you think? People are quick to highlight how low the FA Cup has dropped down the priorities of PL and Championship clubs, but the League Cup (LC) has dipped even lower. In my view it suffered a major blow to its credibility when clubs playing in Europe were given byes until the third round. Crowds are now very low in the first few rounds, especially at the bigger clubs. LC replays were abandoned years ago. There are now very few lucrative LC ties for small clubs – unless they reach the two-leg semi-finals.

I asked Cambridge United's Head of Football, Ben Strang, for his view. He is not in favour of scrapping the League Cup as United could miss out on a big draw. I suspect many other small clubs will share this view, and reluctantly accept that the writing is on the wall for FA Cup replays. It's hard to disagree: Replayed finals ended in the 1980s, replayed semi-finals disappeared when the ties were moved to the new Wembley, and this year we found that the QFs had to be settled at the first time of asking.

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So, what do you think? CFU is organising a quick survey to find out. To take part, look out for the upcoming CFU Twitter and Facebook polls, or visit cambridgefansunited.org.

You will be asked: To accommodate the expected EPL winter break would you prefer to:

(a) Abolish FA Cup replays from R3 onwards

(b) Abolish the League Cup altogether

(c) Other

If you choose option (c) please give details of your alternative ideas.

Dave Matthew Jones

Superb and Original Merchandise

Make Harry Happy – buy 100 Years of Coconuts merchandise from a brand new online shop.

Coconuts is proud to launch, in partnership with Saffron Apparel, a new way of buying its popular range of merchandise, from scarves, hoodies and polo shirts to hats, mugs and keyrings.

And to celebrate the launch, we’ve knocked prices down to their lowest ever levels.

Head to webshops.saffronapparel.co.uk/100-years-of-coconuts-62-c.asp and start shopping.

All products are available with Coconuts’ Happy Harry logo, the classic ‘United in Endeavour’ club badge or the historic Abbey United logo.

And clothing is available in a wide range of colours and sizes. Choose from ‘bar’ scarves, sweatshirts, polos, hoodies, bench jackets, baseball caps and beanie hats.

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Also on offer are mugs, keyrings, coasters and fridge magnets – and we’re open to any suggestions for future product offerings. Get in touch at 100yearsofcoconuts@gmail.com.

All purchases you make help to support the work of 100 Years of Coconuts in preserving and communicating the story of the U’s.

Happy shopping!

Football According to Coconuts

And finally….“Choose to be optimistic. It feels better.”

Dalai Lama

I’ve just been re-reading “Cambridge ‘Til I Die” and enjoying the accounts of supporters, explaining their love for Cambridge United. Some of them talk about the first time they saw a match. Others recall events and people as significant to their lives. These true-life stories bring the experience we all share to life and are just the kind of articles that genuine fans love to read. It would be wonderful to get accounts like these into Amber News! Interestingly, I didn’t know that many of the contributors, when the book was published. I know quite a few of them now. Some, like super painter Alan Burge, have barely changed…..

Accounts posted at Companies House, appear to show a trading loss of £700,000 approx. at June 2017. Shareholders were told in March to expect a surplus. No doubt shareholders will be keen to discover the reasons for this sudden change of fortune at their meeting on April 30 th.

Optimism was flourishing by the end of our home game against Crawley, despite one or two of the Habbin Cynics seeming to have it in for Gary Deegan, a player who I believe has come on in leaps and bounds since Joe Dunne took over. I fail to see what loud criticism of our own players ever achieves or how people who do it regularly call themselves ‘supporters’.

Last month’s edition of the Amber News attracted some criticism when I attempted to identify the opposite ends of the spectrum of views about CFU as ‘keyboard warriors’ on the one hand and as ‘old, fat and complacent’ on the other. I wasn’t trying to legitimise such views, of course, just recognising that they exist. I had no wish to antagonise anyone but I am a realist and recognise that there is some intolerance on both sides and that it doesn’t help the club. There clearly have been problems, but the future is bright.

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March has been an interesting month. It may mark a turning point in our club’s illustrious career. In addition to that, I got to meet Alan Biley and John ‘Shaggy’ Taylor, lovely people and shining examples of why we love this club. I do try to represent all views in the Amber News – but I can only print what I’m sent!

Up the U’s!

Andrew

Happy Easter!

Make a difference and join CFU.Your opinions and contributions are always

gratefully received. acstephen@hotmail.com

[Deadline for next newsletter-April 27th]

United in Endeavour

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