The Season That Nearly Was by Andrew Stephen

The Season That Nearly Was by Andrew Stephen.

More information can be found here: The Season That Nearly Was

For a limited period the book is availabe to buy at £15.00 for collection from the CFU Cabin at home matches.

There is a matching mug featuring the front and rear covers: Mug

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Below is a short extract from the last chapter:

It is difficult to show in one book what a football club means to fans who remain supporters all their lives come what may. No one would deny that last season was a real disappointment and very difficult and yet the fans kept coming. For fans of my vintage, no pain compares that felt on that dreadful day in 2005 when a 0-0 at home to Rochdale sealed our relegation to the Conference. All that building and effort in the late sixties seemingly squandered by complacency and inadequate management. For all the fury and anguish, thousands of defiant United fans cheered the team to victory at Rushden. 

There have been better times but none worse. Something which gives many of us a sense of perspective when things go against us.

There have been other relegations but when we first got into the League in 1970, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would see my team competing under Wembley’s twin towers in the first ever play off final. There have been other Wembley Finals which I have enjoyed all the more because my children were there to share the joy-and some disappointments too.

More importantly, I’ve met U’s fans in many countries. I have made great friends too. One of my greatest pleasures is going to far off grounds and meeting friends who I’ve known for decades . Sadly, some of them are no longer with us, although, in a sense, they are. 

Whatever the ups and downs football is something which gives our lives meaning. It isn’t really about points or results, it’s about memories. And my club has given me so many of those.