Australia

I moved to Brisbane in 2016 after three years living in Birmingham – I think you’ll understand why! Before that, I’d moved to Chesterton, then St Ives around 2007 with work for William Hill when we acquired a chain of shops called S&D Bookmakers. That’s when I discovered the U’s.

My first game was against Burton Albion on a cold, miserable December afternoon, stood in the Newmarket Road End. A 0-0 draw, barely a shot on goal, but I’ve never had so much fun just bouncing around the terrace. I was hooked from that day. Part of the Amber Army!

Early memories for me were Luke Berry being head and shoulders above half the league, the chants for nana nana na na na Danny Danny Wright! and Joshy Coulson being a rock at the back and a terror from corners. I always rated Adam Marriott (not sure anyone else did), and being impressed with the new young left winger Harrison Dunk!

I didn’t grow up a U’s fan and had no family ties to the club, but Cambridge quickly became my team and a second club for lots of my Premier League-supporting mates as well. It was always a great day out, and the Abbey felt like home from the start.

Best game? I know everyone says the FA Trophy win, the Playoff Final, or the Man United draw – and yeah, all class days – but I’ve got a soft spot for the National League days. Tom Shaw’s 100th-minute equaliser in a 3–3 draw with Telford still resonates. And then there’s the chaos of losing 6–3 to Alfreton Town after extra time in the FA Trophy, featuring a ridiculous wonder goal from their left back and trudging home knowing you’d never see that goal again in your life!

The last time I made it to the Abbey was Easter 2023 – post-COVID – and I was lucky enough to catch the win against Forest Green that kept us up. Unbelievable timing and a brilliant day. Another great escape this year is probably too much to ask but if it comes down to the final day I’ll be checking flights!!

Out here in Australia, TV coverage of lower-league teams is basically limited to the FA Cup. I stream a few games a year on CUTV (when the time zones line up), and the rest I piece together from YouTube highlights and articles. I’m a regular listener to the Under the Abbey Stand podcast and try to keep up through NewsNow and social media.

I only know of one other U’s fan in Australia – Max Rushden! Hopefully, there are more of us out here. My workmates now check the scores, mainly to abuse me – and my kids know exactly who we cheer for (though maybe that’s me inflicting the abuse there!)

To me, being a Cambridge United fan isn’t about status – it’s a labour of love. There’s something about the Abbey that felt like home from day one. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve stood there, but it’s special. You don’t follow Cambridge for glory, sorry for stating the obvious, but there’s a draw – you follow them because you belong.

Up the Super U’s, whatever happens this year, we’ll be back. Look forward to sharing a beer with the Amber Army next time we’re back in Blighty.