Did you go to the Morecambe match?  If so, can you see yourself in the Match day photos by Ben Philips.

Follow the link below to see more photographs from the match taken by Ben Phillips. There are photographs of supporters at the match.

To see the  match day photographs click on the link below ----

Morecambe------------- tinyurl.com/y3v53oxf

To see all the match day photographs this season click here  photographs click here

The CFU Internet Player of the Year was Greg Taylor.

See the photos below for the other winners this season

Earlier in the month the FA published the information concerning the intermediary Transaction details.

Under FIFA’s regulations on working with intermediaries, introduced on 1 April 2015,
The FA is required to annually publish details of the following:

• The total payments made by clubs to registered intermediaries
• The single transaction(s) in which each registered intermediary was involved

Statistics released by the Football Association show the U’s spent £48,930 on intermediary and agents’ fees between February 1, 2018 and January 31, 2019.

• The figure has gone up from last year’s total spend of £42,449.
• United were eighth highest spenders in the League Town, with Northampton Town leading the way with a net total of £92,125
• United paid seven agents during this period.

PLEASE NOTE: *Payments included in these figures may have been made in respect of transactions entered into prior to the first date of the reporting period. The total payment figure per club will, therefore, not necessarily relate directly to those transactions listed involving a registered intermediary for the same period.

See more information by clicking here http://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/policies/intermediaries/intermediaries-transactions?fbclid=IwAR0MXt6lvjW9kr7UoDdSMAT-aYIAuYsydpdvOLTCrr3_reX8xjAgH3MN0_g

To see the full of payments by club see the following link

This information has been made publicly available in accordance with the requirements of the FIFA Regulations on Working with Intermediaries and The FA Regulations on Working with Intermediaries.
 
The information has been included in good faith for football regulatory purposes only and no undertaking, representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to its accuracy, reliability or completeness.   
 
We cannot guarantee that any information displayed has not been changed or modified through malicious attacks or “hacking”.

Photos from the Abbey on the 26th April. Getting ready for the final home match of the season. Photos by Alan Burge

Thank you for your continued support of the CUFC Lottery.

CUFC Lottery 'Accumulator' Results (26 April 2019) - this weeks winning 'Accumulator' numbers are (9253)
-there were no winners of the weekly 'Accumulator' this week, meaning next weeks 'Accumulator' will be £2000.

CUFC Lottery 'Main Draw' Results (26 April 2019) - this weeks winning 'Main Draw' numbers are (9571)
-there were no winners of the 'Main Draw' jackpot this week.
-next weeks 'Main Draw' jackpot will be £300.00.

As the 'Main Draw' jackpot was not won this week
-there are 2 CUFC Lottery members matching the first pair winning £10.00 each
-there are 0 Lottery members matching the second pair

If you are a winner of either the 'Accumulator' or 'Main Draw' you will be notified individually by email.

Yours sincerely,
The CUFC Lottery Team.

The Cambridge United Lottery is proud to support Arthur Rank Hospice - over the years many of our supporters and their families have experienced the wonderful service offered by this local charity

Arthur Rank Hospice supports people in Cambridgeshire living with a life-limiting illness and those who need end-of-life care. Services are provided free of charge to patients and their families; the aim is to provide the highest quality care, helping them to make every moment count.

The Hospice cares for more than 3600 patients each year across the Hospice in Cambridge, the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre in Wisbech and in patients’ own homes via the Arthur Rank Community Team. The care and support provided by the Inpatient Unit, Day Therapy and Hospice at Home teams is practical, holistic and tailored to the individual.

Programmes may include psychological support, physiotherapy, complementary therapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitative support, counselling, bereavement and spiritual support. As a charity, the Hospice needs to secure £8.1 million every year to deliver its services free of charge to patients and their loved ones. About half of this currently comes from commissioned income, with further funds raised by the Bistro, Education and Conference Centre and Hair and Nail Salon.

The Hospice is hugely grateful to its local community, which contributes the remainder by raising funds in a number of ways, including: donating to the Hospice’s shops; participating in events; taking on personal challenges; holding fundraisers; or leaving a gift in their Will. The Hospice is always looking for new ways to raise funds so that it can continue to provide and develop its vital services long into the future. For further information, please visit arhc.org.uk

A total of 63 EFL Clubs have achieved Family Excellence status, nine of which have been crowned as ‘Gold Award’ winners for their remarkable work in engaging families on matchdays.

The record-breaking number, up from 56 Clubs in 2017/18, recognises continuous improvement and best practice in family engagement across the leagues and supports Clubs’ efforts to attract and retain young fans of the future.
Amongst the 63 Clubs, the ‘Gold Award’ given to nine Clubs highlights an elite number of Clubs that offer an exceptional family matchday experience.

EFL Clubs received two ‘mystery family’ visits throughout the 2018/19 season, with their feedback and reports determining whether each respective Club would achieve ‘Family Excellence’ status.

The year-on-year progress of EFL Clubs was highlighted at the EFL Awards earlier this month, with Doncaster Rovers named the EFL Family Club of the Year for their strong family culture, including their highly engaging family-focused matchday activities, along with an innovative kit design competition and a hugely popular and active mascot Donny Dog, and his ‘Kennel’.

The respective Sky Bet Championship and League Two Family Clubs of the Year, Middlesbrough and Mansfield Town, also introduced exciting concepts, with the former showcasing innovative activities based on health, education and fun. Meanwhile, Mansfield’s Family Area and the introduction of a new Family Room has enhanced the Club’s matchday experience.

EFL Chief Executive, Shaun Harvey, said: “It has been fantastic to see the continued dedication and improvement made by EFL Clubs in offering engaging matchday experiences for families.  

"More Clubs than ever before are being recognised for offering true family value and a consistently high level of service and innovation, with the EFL’s long-running Family Excellence Scheme helping to produce positive and impactful change across the League, while driving a real focus on the overall matchday experience.

“I would like to congratulate the Clubs that have achieved Family Excellence status and those that have been awarded Gold status this year. We look forward to continuing our work with Clubs to help drive change, and support the continued effort to attract and retain future generations of supporters.”

A full list of EFL Clubs to receive the Family Excellence and Gold status can be found below:

Gold Award Winners; Brentford, Derby County, Doncaster Rovers, Luton Town, Mansfield Town, Middlesbrough, Plymouth Argyle, Scunthorpe United, Swansea City.

AFC Wimbledon Aston Villa Barnsley Birmingham City Blackburn Rovers Bolton Wanderers Brentford Bristol City Bristol Rovers Burton Albion Cambridge United Carlisle United Charlton Athletic Cheltenham Town Colchester United Coventry City Crawley Town Crewe Alexandra Derby County Doncaster Rovers Exeter City Forest Green Rovers Hull City Ipswich Town Leeds United Lincoln City Luton Town Mansfield Town Middlesbrough Millwall Milton Keynes Dons Newport County Northampton Town Norwich City Nottingham Forest Notts County Oldham Athletic Oxford United Peterborough United Plymouth Argyle Port Vale Portsmouth Preston North End Queens Park Rangers Reading Rochdale Rotherham United Scunthorpe United Sheffield United Sheffield Wednesday Shrewsbury Town Southend United Stevenage Stoke City Sunderland Swansea City Swindon Town Tranmere Rovers Walsall West Bromwich Albion Wigan Athletic Wycombe Wanderers Yeovil Town

Gold Award Winners; Brentford, Derby County, Doncaster Rovers, Luton Town, Mansfield Town, Middlesbrough, Plymouth Argyle, Scunthorpe United, Swansea City.

Did you go to the Swindon or Forest Green  Matches over Easter?  If so, can you see yourself in the Match day photos by Ben Philips.

Follow the link below to see more photographs from the match taken by Ben Phillips. There are photographs of supporters at the match.

To see the  match day photographs click on the link below ----

Swindon-------------- tinyurl.com/y6omqnzq

Forest Green ------- tinyurl.com/y5atjy5c

To see all the match day photographs this season click here  photographs click here

Away fans visiting FGR

Web site
The New Lawn, Another Way, Nailsworth GL6 0FG

Ticket booking line and enquiries 0333 123 1889

The following information is provided from the website https://www.fgr.co.uk/tickets/away-fans

Welcome to Forest Green Rovers. If this is your first time visiting the greenest football club in the world, here’s what you need to know as an away fan.

The West Stand has a maximum capacity of 1,224, but may vary depending on specific requirements on each game. This is made up of 100 covered seats, 180 covered standing and 944 uncovered standing.

What are the facilities for disabled supporters?There are 100 seats in the West Stand which may be suitable for ambulant disabled away supporters or those that will struggle to stand for the duration of the game. These seats are access via a stairwell at the back of the stand (12 steps) and are located approximately 80m from the turnstiles, toilets and catering outlet.

For away supporters who require wheelchair or no-step access, for each game we will allocate a limited number of tickets in our main East Stand. These will be sent to the away club, so please check your clubs website for further information on how to buy these tickets.

More information is available visit our dedicated special assistance page here.

What refreshments are on offer?There is an away bar is located along the back of the North Stand, at the front of the stadium as you arrive. This is typically open three hours before kick-off, serving a selection of vegan hot drinks, beers and ciders, and a selection of snacks.


How to get hereThe New Lawn is located in Nailsworth in the Cotswolds, with access to public transport and limited car parking space.

Here’s more information about visiting The New Lawn for the first time.

First time visitor informationIf this is your first time visiting Forest Green Rovers, you can expect a totally unique experience from the greenest football club in the world. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get here, and what The New Lawn has in store.

How to get hereThe New Lawn is situated in the village of Nailsworth, just south of Stroud, and you can travel here by:

• Public transport: you can catch a train to Stroud station, and then get the number 63 bus from Stroud town centre. Please note that the last service on the 63 bus is around 8pm, Monday to Friday, and therefore this will not work for any mid-week games.
• Park and ride: for most matches we operate a local park and ride service from Renishaw on Stroud Road (postcode: GL5 5HA). Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis, and costs just £3 per car.
• Bike: you can cut your carbon emissions completely by cycling to The New Lawn. 
• Car: there's limited parking at the stadium. You can book a parking space in advance, but we encourage you to leave your car at home where possible. 
• 
  

Here's more information about how to get to The New Lawn.
Arriving at The New LawnThe ground opens three hours before kick-off, and turnstiles into the stadium open an hour and a half before the match starts. We recommend you take your seats early, to enjoy the pre-match build-up and our award-winning matchday food.

We welcome all away supporters into the stadium via the West Terrace turnstiles. 

Ticket collectionYou can collect your tickets up to three hours before kick-off from the ticket office, located between the North and East stands. 

You can buy matchday tickets online, by calling us on 0333 123 1889, or from Ecotricity’s Unicorn House on Russell Street. You can buy tickets in person, Monday - Thursday between 8.30am and 5pm or Friday between 8.30am and 4pm.. Here’s more information about FGR ticket prices.

Club shopWe sell a whole host of FGR merchandise at our club shop, from replica kits to scarves and bobble hats.
The FGR shop is located to the right of the ticket office and directly in front of you as you enter the stadium and is only open on matchdays from midday until kick off.

FacilitiesThe Green ManWe have our own on-site pub, located between the South and West stands. You don't need a ticket to access The Green Man, so you can pop in for a drink ahead of all FGR home games.

We serve a selection of the best vegan lagers and ciders from the Cotswold Brewery, along with Stroud Brewery’s Budding and a range of bottled beers.

The Green Man opens three hours before each FGR match and is accessible to all Forest Green fans. 

Away bar The away bar is open from midday on matchdays, serving a selection of vegan beers and ciders, vegan hot drinks, and a selection of vegan snacks.

Matchday programmeIf you’ve got a birthday shout out or good luck message you’d like printed in an upcoming edition, just email press@fgr.co.uk a week before the game. We’ll also read out your message over the PA system at half time.

Eco TrailFIFA has called us the greenest football club in the world, and you can see why when you visit the FGR stadium and learn about how we’re putting sustainability into everything we do:

• We've got solar panels on our roof, which let us generate our own electricity 
• We use a solar-powered robot lawnmower to cut our grass
• We use recycled rainwater to irrigate the pitch 
• We play on a fully organic pitch, which means there are no pesticides on our grass
• We're powered by 100% green energy from the wind and the sun
• We make our own 100% vegan food
• 
  

We run Eco Trails ahead of every FGR home match – contact community@fgr.co.uk to book your place.

If you prefer to travel independently the following sites may help you to organise your trip -: 

Train -:                    TRAIN INFORMATION

Coach -:                  NATIONAL EXPRESS

Car -:                       AA NEWS  

Weather -:               BBC WEATHER NEWS

Travel News -:         AA TRAVEL NEWS


The information provided is done so in good faith and sourced from various websites.

Who would be your Player of the Year? Vote in the CFU Internet Player of Season Poll

Would it be David Amoo, Greg Taylor, Gary Deegan, Dimitar Mitov or someone else?

Complete the form below. In the comment box. Please  just use the players surname only

The winner will be announced on Saturday at the Morecambe match

A new star was added at the Corona End this week

Some photos of the Abbey Stadium today by Alan Burge

Did you go to the Newport Match?  Can you see yourself in the Match day photos by Ben Philips.

Follow the link below to see more photographs from the match taken by Ben Phillips. There are photographs of supporters at the match.

To see the  match day photographs click here ---- tinyurl.com/y2dvkdgz

To see all the match day photographs this season click here  photographs click here

This week we are giving the front of the Abbey Arms a little bit of facelift to brighten it up

The photos below show the change

Some photos from the Abbey this week taken by Alan Burge

Cambridge United FC has issued a statement regarding the club’s accounts for 2017/18, which reveal that it reported a loss of £834,830 and that the loss on the previous year, reported as £693,687, was actually £882,691. In the statement, the club’s Director of Business, Shaun Grady, committed to a transparent disclosure of the full financial picture.
 
Chair of CFU Trust Board, Robert Osbourn, said: “CFU welcomes the open and honest statement issued by the Club today alongside the figures. However, the financial losses announced by the Club today are truly shocking and United fans will regard the losses as a damning indictment of those responsible for running the football club over the past few years, including the periods concerned.  CFU is disappointed that the Club’s statement does not include an apology to fans.”
 
“Having been instrumental, in calling for a full audit, in common with other shareholders, CFU takes no pleasure in seeing the outcome, but feels vindicated in having pressed the club to have a more in-depth financial examination than had occurred for a number of years.”
 
“CFU remains very grateful to Paul Barry for his continued investment that, clearly, is what is keeping the Club afloat at the moment.”
 
“CFU recognises, however, that a new Board is now in place and that it is working hard to bring in new revenues and fresh investment and we look forward to learning more about the plans the Club has to that end at the forthcoming shareholders meeting.  CFU will offer the Board any support we can in getting the Club back on to a sound footing.”

Accounts can be seen here via the link https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/00482197/filing-history

CLUB STATEMENT - 2017-18 ACCOUNTS FILED 

 “The Club has now filed its annual accounts at Companies House. The accounts were audited by Price Bailey. They show a loss of £834,830 for last season and a restated reported loss for the year ended June 2017 of £882,691. The previous reported loss for the prior year was £693,687. ​

 For transparency we are publishing everything today so all shareholders and fans can see the full picture. The accounts will be sent separately to all shareholders in the usual way and a date in early May will be confirmed in due course for the Shareholders Meeting, where we will obviously discuss the financial performance in more detail. We will make sure as many of the Board are there as possible.

Before then - and on behalf of the whole Board - Shaun Grady (Director of Business) adds the following for supporters:

First there is no hiding away from the fact these are significant losses. We are acutely aware it paints a disappointing financial picture. The fact that many other clubs at our level are experiencing very similar positions does not make the losses any easier to swallow. Without question the finances of lower league football are tough and getting tougher. Any Club at this level needs sustained investment if it is to survive yet alone thrive.

Everyone at the Club is enormously grateful for Paul Barry’s support. As majority shareholder his investment has been critical in the past and it has without question helped us through recent seasons. Every fan at the Club owes him a huge debt. He doesn’t have to do it but has done so consistently because he loves the Club and it is no exaggeration to say that the Club would not be here without him.

It is however unrealistic to expect him to continue to meet losses of this nature indefinitely. So as a Club that means two things. First we need to look at other potential investment sources and control costs to help secure our long term future - and all the Board have been very active over recent months in trying to secure new funding.

It would not be sensible to give a running commentary but talks are continuing with a number of potential new partners. Everyone at the Club should remain confident that we can secure the funding we need over the medium term. Cambridge United has a lot to offer and as we know from our conversations the global brand of the City and the University are also significant assets for us a Club.

We also obviously need to look at costs. The audit has highlighted significant failings in the Club’s financial processes. These have now been strengthened and put right over recent months which means we now have much more timely and reliable management information than the Board had previously. We will look carefully at our cost base for next year but no one should think there are simple solutions. We do need to cultivate different revenue streams - and the business side of the Club is for example an important source of income. And alongside that, we are committed to maintaining a competitive playing budget for the future - recognising that there are still five games and fifteen points left to play for this season.

Finally we want all fans to know that as a Board we are working hard to put things right and move the Club forward. Mistakes have been made in the past and we obviously hold up our hands accepting our part in them. Statements were also made in good faith which perhaps created a false sense of our financial position which we should have challenged and tested more. As stated earlier our previous financial systems developed over many years were not adequate for a £5m turnover business.

We also know that as members of the Board we are the custodians of a Club that means a lot to the supporters, shareholders, the City, the community and many thousands of people. It means a huge amount to all of us as well and, working with Paul, we will do everything we can to make sure the Club moves forward on and off the pitch."

The following quiz was in the February Amber News - Can you answer the questions

MASTERMIND SPECIALIST- SUBJECT CAMBRIDGE UNITED
ARE YOU A CAMBRIDGE UNITED ANORAK?

1) Can you name the 2 future England managers who played against United in the inaugral 1970-71 season and the teams they represented?

2) Can you name 3 United players who have played first team football for Manchester United?

3) Which future England test cricketer played against United at the Abbey Stadium in the 1972-73 promotion season?

4) Which future England test cricketer played against United( away game) in the 1976-77 promotion season?

5) United appeared as the featured game on Match of the Day 3 times in the 1970s, always as the away team. Can you name the opponents and the aproximate dates?

6) Can you name the first 2 Cambridge born players to represent Cambridge United in football league fixtures?

7) Malcom Webster was presented with an award at half time during the final league game of the season v Oldham in 1983, why?

8) Can you name the player sent off 3 times in a period of 5 games during the 1994-5 season?

9) Can you name the only father and son combination who have both represented United in first team football since 1970?

10) Which United player played in the same schoolboy team as David Beckham?

11) Dion Dublin’s father was a member of which 1970s pop group?

12) Colin Calderwood is not the first Calderwood to be involved at United as Jimmy Calderwood was a loan player from Birmingham City in I think 1979 or 1980 but can you list players with the same surname who have represented United in the league era?

William Arnold February 2019

LIFE’S A PITCH By Ian Darler
PUBLICATION DONATION
FAMILY, FRIENDS, ASSOCIATES, SUPPORTERS

For anyone who wishes to be associated with the above publication the publisher has very kindly agreed to allow a limited number of names to be printed in the back of the book.

The agreed donation is £20.00

Please print the name you would like to be printed in the book. To avoid any incorrect spelling please use block capital

If you would like a different name to be included use the contact box

Complete the form below and pay for the dedication here via the link herehttp://www.cambridgefansunited.org/store/p71/Life%27s_a_Pitch_book_Donation.html

You can also download the word document below and take it to the CFU outlet before the match against Newport with payment

There will also be copies of the form at CFU outlet in the Main Car Park before the Newport match on Saturday 13th April

Last date of publication donation acceptance is midnight Friday 19th April 2019

The previous night the Abbey Stadium had been filled to overflowing by 14,000 – probably more – spectators anxious to see FA Cup winners Chelsea parade their trophy and take on the U’s. The Friday night match had been arranged as part of the deal that had taken the raw, young Ian Hutchinson to Stamford Bridge a couple of years earlier.

At 3pm the following day, however, there was serious business to conduct.

If United could draw their home game against mid-table Margate, a second successive Southern League championship would probably be theirs. If they were to win, the title would be a certainty and the club’s case for election to the Football League would be strengthened even further.

As 5,298 tense spectators filed on to the terraces, the eleven men chosen by manager Bill Leivers to fulfil their dreams sat in the dressing room, waiting for the signal to run out and set about their work. All but two of them – left back Colin Meldrum and inside forward John McKinven, in for Brian Grant and John Gregson – had started the Chelsea game just a few hours before. Mercifully, United’s first string had had to play a mere 45 minutes against the Blues before being replaced by the visitors’ reserves.

Facing Margate were goalkeeper Rodney Slack; defenders Jimmy Thompson, Dennis Walker, Terry Eades and Meldrum; schemers Mel Slack (no relation to Rodney) and McKinven; and forwards Roly Horrey, Mal Lindsay, Bill Cassidy and George Harris.

The previous season’s finale had seen the championship shield secured with a 3-0 win over Kettering Town, and ace marksman Tony Butcher had kick-started a stunning hat-trick with a headed goal in the 45th minute. But this time U’s supporters had to wait much longer for the opener.

Margate were, to say the least, unadventurous. Seemingly content to go home with a 0-0 draw, they packed the defence and frustrated United’s normally free-scoring forwards, who watched in horror as efforts by Cassidy and Horrey rebounded off the woodwork. Then, in the 80th minute, with fans’ fingernails bitten to the quick, the visitors conceded a penalty.

The man chosen for the task of converting it was left winger George Harris, who was on his way to a goals total for the season of 35 from just 47 appearances. The suspense was palpable as he stepped up … and beat goalkeeper Garry Steel.

Harris later told how he, feeling the pressure of the situation, had at first thought of taking the penalty quickly, only to recall an occasion when he had rushed a spot kick and missed. ‘This time I waited for some seconds,’ he said. ‘Then I moved the ball and settled again, but boy was I glad to see the ball hit the back of the net.’

The tension broken, pandemonium reigned and the cheers increased in volume a couple of minutes later when Bill Cassidy’s clinching goal ensured the shield would stay at the Abbey.

It wasn’t long before the players were parading the huge shield around the ground, fighting their way through the crowds that had flocked on to the pitch.  

Then it was back to the dressing room, where the champagne corks popped and thoughts turned to the Football League’s annual general meeting in June, when United’s determined bid for election would be debated.

Thank you for your continued support of the CUFC Lottery.

CUFC Lottery 'Accumulator' Results (05 April 2019) - this weeks winning 'Accumulator' numbers are (1047)
-there were no winners of the weekly 'Accumulator' this week, meaning next weeks 'Accumulator' will be £1850.

CUFC Lottery 'Main Draw' Results (05 April 2019) - this weeks winning 'Main Draw' numbers are (2376)
-there were no winners of the 'Main Draw' jackpot this week.
-next weeks 'Main Draw' jackpot will be £300.00.

As the 'Main Draw' jackpot was not won this week
-there are 2 CUFC Lottery members matching the first pair winning £10.00 each
-there are 0 Lottery members matching the second pair

If you are a winner of either the 'Accumulator' or 'Main Draw' you will be notified individually by email.

Yours sincerely,
The CUFC Lottery Team.

Here are some photographs from the Abbey taken during the past few days by Alan Burge

This Saturday the Amber Army travel to Mansfield. If you are or thinking about going we hope you find the following information useful. There is additional information contained within the file below

Website ----- www.mansfieldtown.net

Address - One Call Stadium, Quarry Lane, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, 

Post Code NG18 5DA

Telephone  01623 482 482 

Email   info@mansfieldtown.net

​Tickets can be purchased on the day by cash only and will have a 2 pound surcharge


Tickets can be purchased by clicking the link here Online booking for this event will end on 05 Apr 2019 at 13:30

• Adult            £22.00
• 64 +             £18.00
• Under 22     £16.00
• Under 18     £12.00
• Under 6       £0.00

 
To use the official club travel coach click here Online booking for this event will end on 05 Apr 2019 at 12:00.

Prices Adult £ 26.00 , Young Adult 18-22 £20.00  Under 18  £17.00

For more information about the travel coach you can ring 01223 566500 during shop opening hours

If you prefer to travel independently the following sites may help you to organise your trip -: 

Train -:                    TRAIN INFORMATION

Coach -:                  NATIONAL EXPRESS

Car -:                       AA NEWS  

Weather -:               BBC WEATHER NEWS

Travel News -:         AA TRAVEL NEWS

The information provided is done so in good faith and sourced from various websites.

The expression of human-v-human discrimination in any form makes my stomach heave, the vomit rise in my gorge and my fury start to bubble.

Show me an indication of a belief that any race is superior to another, or intolerance of any culture, nationality, religion, skin colour, gender, sexual orientation or any other damn thing, and you make an enemy of me for life.

That’s why I applauded Eric Cantona’s assault on that racist Palace sponge in 1995. That’s why I cheered Brendon Batson when, his ears assailed by a string of vile racial insults at Stockport in 1974, he lumped the loathsome perpetrator, Tony Coleman.

And that’s why I admire the dignified Raheem Sterling and his black England teammates for their restrained reaction to the cacophony of racial abuse pouring out of the Montenegrin skies.

We’ve come a long way, thank God, since the days when monkey chants filled the Abbey air whenever a black player touched the ball.

Yet I still hear knuckle-draggers complaining about the number of non-white, or even non-English, players in a team. I still hear stories about racist remarks being made on the Abbey terraces while stewards stand by in complicit silence.

Ah, these purveyors of filth will say, but it’s only banter.

Banter: oh, what a cartload of evil that seemingly innocuous term can conceal.

If you use racist language, you’re a racist, you don’t belong in civilised society and you’re a pus-filled boil on United’s face. Go home and fester in your midden.

The Terracist

Cambridge Fans United welcomes fans to its AGM CFU will be holding its 18th Annual General Meeng in the Abbey Lounge, Cambridge United Supporters Club, at 7.30pm on next Monday, 8th April.

Although only CFU members will be able to vote at the meeng, all Cambridge United fans will be welcome to a(end. The *rst part of the meeng will involve a football Q&A session with Head Coach, Colin Calderwood and Head of Football, Ben Strang.


A/er the formal AGM business, there will be a discussion about CFU in the future, led by Nigel Pearce.

What should CFU be doing and not doing? What will be the impact of CUSP on CFU’s role? Why is it important to have an acve and vibrant group for supporters of Cambridge United?

We should be pleased to hear views from all fans, so please come along, if you can.

Robert Osbourn, Chair, CFU Trust Board