Dave Matthews-Jones SLO Programme Article - Charlton

This evening we welcome the supporters, officials and playing staff of Charlton Athletic to the Abbey Stadium.

Two former Charlton players Bill Whittaker and Herbert Johnson played a large part in Cambridge United turning professional and its rise through the non-leagues during the fifties. Interestingly, they both played together in the 1947 FA Cup Final when Charlton beat Burnley 1-0. This final is also remembered for the ball bursting during the match. It was the second year running when the ball burst during the match. At the time it was blamed on the poor standard of leather available following the war.

During March, Cambridge United helped sponsors A&R Haulage (UK) Ltd provide items for the people of war-torn Ukraine. Thank you to everyone who brought something to the ground on the two days. These have now been delivered to Romania. A raffle was also organised at the Shrewsbury match for a shirt. It raised £440 and will go to buying items. Phil Merwiak who helped with the raffle and supplied the flag for the players to walk out with is organising a fund raising event @ the Hat and Rabbit in Fulbourn towards the end.

After losing his Great Grandad to cancer, Harry Austen aged 10 is completing a 10 mile walk this evening at the Abbey Stadium. The walk is in aid of Cancer Research UK the charity that helped his grandfather. The walk will take about 5 hours to complete and will start at Cambourne. If you would like to donate towards his walk see more details via the website Harry’s Giving Page | Cancer Research UK Giving Pages

The last away match of the season against Sunderland is now on line for supporters to book a seat. If you want to use the coach, go to the Away Travel Shop tab on www.cambridgefansunited.org or ring 07591 111251, you can also email to reserve one cfuawaytravel@yahoo.com

Away Travel is one project I have really enjoyed doing throughout the season. Working alongside Gina and Greys Coaches it has been a sharp learning curve. The Carlisle Away Travel group were really helpful at the beginning of the season offering advice on their scheme. Their assistance highlighted how different supporter groups can work together and help each other.
As we prepare for the final away trip of the season where better to finish than by going to the Stadium of Light at Sunderland. I am pleased to report we have been able to run the scheme at almost breakeven. It is even more remarkable considering the number of supporters who had to cancel coming on trips due to Covid. We have been able to run the service to all the league matches, although some of the mid-week matches involved long distances, small numbers and large losses. The highlightof the season must be the trip to Newcastle in the FA Cup. In over fifty years of supporting Cambridge United I can not remember a better away day.

Thank you to our sponsors East Sussex U’s, Worcester U’s and CUFCLottery. I would like to thank all our regular travellers and everyone who has used the service during the season.

You can contact me via dave.matthew-jones@cambridge-united.co.uk or follow what is happening via the www.facebook.com/CambridgeUnitedFootballClub facebook site www.cambridgefansunited.org website or via twitter SLO@CambridgeUTD Be Loud, Be Proud and Be United. Please get behind the team on the pitch. Your positive support is appreciated by all the players and also the management team.