As part of this season’s #EveryGameMatters Checkatrade Trophy campaign, the EFL are holding a Checktrade Trophy Fan Forum on Monday 10 December 2018 at Wembley Stadium.

The forum event, which commences from 7pm (Doors 6pm), will bring together a panel of experienced and noteworthy guests, including EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey, managers, players, Club CEOs and other individuals from across the game, to outline the success and associated benefits of the competition, and the impact it can have on player development, Club fortunes and finances..

As with all our forum events, under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult and venue policies and rules of proper conduct must be complied with.

If you would like to attend the event contact me via the form below

Now there is a network of SLOs throughout the league I have a ready-made contact for each club, able to deal with any issues we might have regarding a match or to share best practice with us. 

A fortnight before each home game the opposition's SLO is contacted and sent an information sheet (copy below) and links to our Away Fans' section on the CFU and CUFC websites (see here) We also ask for feedback after their visit so we can make any improvements via a survey that is completed by supporters visiting the Abbey (see here)

For an away game we ask the opposition SLO for their information.  I then put it on the CFU website via the blog, Twitter and Facebook. If we don't receive any information back then we try to source the data ourselves via the web.  We have also started meeting the away coaches on arrival.

There are also videos of how to get around the ground on the Match Day info tab above,

I have recently started putting information sheets around the ground on match days too, detailing past games and  facts (hopefully interesting!) about the visiting club. These are in addition to the teamsheets which are put up as soon as possible after 2pm.

Did you know that the club is judged ....... on  how we treat Away Fans? Anonymous individuals come to the Abbey and make a detailed report on our facilities and their match day experience. These details are later shared with us  so we can improve. Hard work but worth it. The best club is the named at the end of season by the EFL.

Don't forget I am able to be contacted by e-mail: dave.matthew-e jones@cambridge-united.co.uk  or by leaving a message for me at the club: 01223 566500 or by talking to me as you see me around the ground.

The form below was kindly designed by Sandy Morley and is updated for each match to suit the opposition side

Last week, I proudly represented the volunteer group at the Football Business Awards in London. Our entry was based on how they and Cambridge United through Ian Darler & Mick Brown have worked together to create a group that are now a strong team working together around the Abbey Stadium.

We have become friends and work colleagues over the past months. We have a laugh and are able to ensure that everyone's skills and knowledge are being used.

At the beginning it was all over the place - now everyone knows what they are doing. They have their own jobs and tasks. When help is required everyone offers it to each other.

Although the Supporters Group Relationship of the Year' award deservedly went  to the  Fulham Supporters Trust and Fulham FC. See more about their bid here and it is where we should be aiming for in future  fulhamsupporterstrust.com/

The aim of this award was to specifcially highlight all the good work happening across the country at all levels of football. The entry by Fulham FC and Fulham Supporters Trust showed a genuine commitment from both sides to work together and it was overwhelming evidence in this facet that secured the award.

I can not say how proud of everyone in our group of the work they have completed. It may seem to be fun sometimes but when the Sports Ground Safety Authority says that without some of the work areas of ground could soon be closed, it means even more. see www.cambridgefansunited.org/blogs/recognition-of-work-be-done-on-the-stadium

Working together as volunteers is no different to being at work. It has to enjoyable and fun to do. It may appear we are having too much fun or not concentrating on what is at hand.  But there is nothing worse and no one would come if we did not get along or made it so serious that it was boring or became a chore to do so. We spend sometimes 6 or 7 hours together. So we have to have some fun or challenges.
 
Well done to following for being nominated. They all provided great entries  in addition to ourselves and Fulham

• Portsmouth FC and Pompey Supporters Trust
• Rochdale AFC and Dale Supporters Trust
• West Bromwich Albion FC and Proud Baggies
  
• Southend United FC and Shrimpers Supporters Trust

While at the awards it was great to see Sam Jeffery who used to work at Cambrodge United and is now at Norwich and was part of teir Partnerships team who won GOLD at the @footiebizawards last night, beating the likes of @ManCity and @FCBarcelona! 

Dave M-Jones

During the summer I've had the pleasure of volunteering with a brilliant bunch of Cambridge United fans. Together we've painted and prepped all corners of The Abbey Stadium ready for the new season. On Day 44 of #100DaysNoTV I took our boys to the ground on the eve of the 2018/19 season to see the fruits of our labour of love. 

The Abbey was looking at its beautiful best. 

my love for U's

I became a U's supporter in 1990 – the year in which (coincidentally?) the club gained promotion with a Dion Dublin header in the Division Four play-off final at Wembley and Italia '90 happened!

Read more by clicking here supporters-direct.org/articles/summer-at-the-abbey

Did you go to the Bury Match on Saturday?

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 Bury match day photographs click here
www.flickr.com/photos/141422009@N06/albums/72157703939341534

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

If your traveling to Crewe on Tuesday please see the match day details below to help your trip
Club Address: Alexandra Stadium, Gresty Road, Crewe, Cheshire, CW2 6EB

Telephone: 01270 213014
Email: info@crewealex.net
Google Maps: Search for 'Crewe Alexandra FC' 

Getting To Crewe Alexandra
Crewe Alexandra FC
The Alexandra Stadium
Gresty Road
Crewe
Cheshire
CW2 6EB
By Train:
Crewe Alexandra is just a five minute walk from Crewe train station, and with great links to the country it's easy to get here.

Once you arrive at the train station, you can see the ground, turn left out of the main entrance and walk down to the second left, marked with the road sign Gresty Road. Then the ground is just a five minute walk down the road.
By Car:

Crewe Alexandra Football Club can be accessed by two junctions off the M6, but please note that it is easier to get here by leaving at junction 16

Exit the M6 and follow signs for Crewe on the A500 and then the A5020, at the roundabout take the 3rd exit and continue to the next roundabout, take the first exit continuing to follow signs for Crewe Town Centre and Crewe Railway Station.

Pass Crewe Hall on your right, and at the next roundabout continue forward down Weston Road. Away supporters parking can be found on the industrial estate on Weston Road, this is approximately a ten minute walk to the ground. If you continue down to the roundabout this will take you towards the ground, take the first left at the roundabout and continue past the train station. Take the second left down Gresty Road and continue down to the junction and the ground is on your left.

If you require the postcode for Sat Nav it is CW2 6EB.

I know , I’m not the only one who loathes and detests the current club logo with a passion bordering on mania.

What’s it meant to be? A stylised pineapple? A football with ramparts? Where’s the motto? Where, for flip’s sake, is the flippin’ motto?

I heard on the grapevine, when I dropped into the Supporters’ Club for a bingo night shandy, that there are moves afoot to bring back the classic United badge of yesteryear, featuring the Cambridge coat of arms in all its glory and the ‘United in Endeavour’ watchword by which we all abide.
 
Now that’s what I call a badge. Its return can’t come a moment too soon.
 
We’ve had some rum old crests in our time. Remember the bizarre creation that seemed to depict a football reading a book? It didn’t last long, and thank heavens for that.  At a time when we need, perhaps more than ever, to be united in endeavour, we need a crest that we can be proud of, a crest that reflects unity of purpose and deed. Bring it back

What is your view leave a comment below?

The Terracist

Read more from the Amber News here

 They're out
Coconuts is thrilled to inform you that its two latest publications – Champagne & Corona, the third volume of Andrew Bennett's wonderful Celery & Coconuts history series; and Barnwell at War, an examination of everyday lives in east Cambridge during World War I – have been published.

Those wise customers who preordered copies of the two titles will be able to pick up their books at the CFU caravan on Saturday or, if they opted to receive them by post, will hear them plopping through their letterboxes in the very near future.

​Champagne & Corona, which details the history of Cambridge United in the 1970s – an exciting era for the club – is on sale at the caravan and through the CFU online store for £18.99 plus postage and packaging if you opt to have your copy delivered.

Barnwell at War, a 40-page booklet which has already received praise from critics and features many rarely seen photographs, sells for £4.99 plus p&p. It will also be on sale at G David Bookseller in Saint Edward's Passage and the Museum of Cambridge in Northampton Street very soon. CFU members receive a £1 discount on both titles. ​Beat
  Christmas rush and secure your copies today!

Coconuts TV - Steve Line  Published on 19 Nov 2018

Many people will know Steve Line from his work as a popular music show host on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. Fewer will know that he is a lifelong Cambridge United supporter and was a Club Director as a younger man in the mid to late 1980's.

In this informative and entertaining interview, recorded in late 2018, Steve discusses events he has seen first hand, during more than 50 years as a fan.

Steve also gives an insight into some behind the scenes events from his almost five years as Club Director, during what was a difficult period in the Club's history.
Interview here: https://youtu.be/S-FM4kdAx9U

Moore, please

Half-close your eyes and squint at the fuzzy, poor-quality photograph on the belowt. There are some unforgettable faces there; award yourself five points if you can name them all ... http://www.100yearsofcoconuts.co.uk/blog/moore-please

We will put up new a matchday fact sheet for the Bury match on Saturday - as per recent matches around the ground

See below a copy in advance of the match and the information concerning the Bury Crest and why it has two stars

Understanding the Shakers club crest

The Shakers 'Crest' or 'Logo' is a form of the town of Bury's Crest and is explained as follows:-

The various images contained in the crest are the anvil, representing metalwork, a fleece representing wool, two shuttles representing the textile industry and culms of the papyrus plant that represent the paper making industry.

The crest shows a bee for industry between two branches of the cotton plant.

The Latin phrase 'Vincit - Omnia - Industria' is translated to read 'Conquer All Industry' or in today's terminology: Hard Work Conquers All

The two stars, added for the 2011/12 season, represent the Shakers two FA Cup Final Victories in 1900 (4-0 v Southampton) and 1903 (6-0 v Derby County)
 
Can not see the sheet beolow on your mobile - it may require changing to the web format at the bottom of the page

 The suit is hired for tonight, the shoes are polished and hair is cut as we get ready for the Football Business Awards this evening  in London.

We have been chosen for the volunteer work carried out around the ground and how it has been done with everyone working together. The staff at Cambrridge United and the volunteers working together.

The other finalists are listed below. They all have really strong cases and reasons to win so being recognised is a real achievement in itself.

Best Club & Supporters Group relationshipI n partnership with Supporters Direct

• Fulham FC and Fulham Supporters Trust
• Portsmouth FC and Pompey Supporters Trust
• Rochdale AFC and Dale Supporters Trust
• West Bromwich Albion FC and Proud Baggies
• Southend United FC and Shrimpers Supporters Trust
• 
  

Fingers crossed and to see more about the awards click here or on the image below

We are trying to find out the history behind the certificate presented to Abbey United in 1950 (see image).

Does anyone know anything about Pink UN's Biscuit or the Football Telegraph? Did you buy the biscuit or the magazine?

Should we be looking at the Pink Un sports paper that covers Norwich instead?

Any information would help

CONSULTATION ON CAMBRIDGE UNITED FANS' PARLIAMENT STARTS

Cambridge Fans United (CFU) and Cambridge United F.C. today kicked off a consultation with fans and other football clubs on the potential for a Fans' Parliament at the Abbey Stadium. 

The process will run over the next six months.

·        We want to hear from as many United fans as possible
·        We want to know what fans think of the idea and to gauge the level of interest in a Fans' Parliament
·        We will talk to other clubs to learn what works best
·        We want the Fans' Parliament to meet before the end of the season if possible

To take this forward CFU has put together a small working group.  This includes non-CFU members. 

For further information on how you can get involved contact CFU at:  cfuinbox@btinternet.com

Nigel Pearce (CFU deputy chair) said:

"The CFU Trust Board suggested the idea of setting up a Fans' Parliament and unanimously agreed to help take it forward.  We think a Fan's Parliament could do much to improve the way the club engages with its supporters.  It would allow a far greater level of transparency and build trust.  These things have been in rather short supply over recent months. 
"First, though, we need to test the appetite of fans and understand what they want.  So today we are publishing a work plan, to develop the idea and, if we get the thumbs up, to set up a Fans' Parliament.  There will be more information available at and around the Bury game on 24th November.  We want to encourage supporters to have their say, to tell us what they think of the idea.  We want to come up with a model that is right for Cambridge United and its fans.  All United fans will have the chance to shape it and, if they want to, to be part of it."

Godric Smith (Cambridge United Director) said:
 
‘As we said earlier this month the Club is committed to improving communication with our passionate fan base and we are excited about the potential of a Fans' Parliament as part of this. It is great that CFU are leading the project, and actively involving other volunteers, so we can all ensure it is genuinely for the fans by the fans. The Board of Directors fully endorses the suggested approach and looks forward to receiving regular progress reports. It is important that everyone feels they can be part of the process so we would encourage all supporters to get involved and provide their views."
 
The work plan can be viewed at:  https://tinyurl.com/yabgc89p

The painting has been continuing around the ground during the past few weeks.

An area that its appearance needed to be improved was around the reception area

See below what it looks like now - as painted by Alan Burge

Since the start of the season I have attended two EFL backed meetings. The first at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough Stadium was an equality conference. I went with Andy Beattie . The second was an SLO (Supporters Liaison Officer) meeting at the Madejski Stadium, Reading. The equality meeting was opened by David Ruebain providing the Premier League overview and a Cultural workshop.

In the afternoon there were 5 workshops of 20 minutes each. I attended the Sports Chaplaincy, Level Playing Fields and Kick it Out presentations as I wanted to find out about particular issues. I was not able to get to the Muslim Chaplains in Sport and League Managers Association presentations. Andy covered these two.

The second meeting in Reading was aimed at SLOs in particular.  It started with a presentation by Andy Pomfret representing the EFL and this discussed Supporter Engagement, Family Excellence & the Away Fan Experience. All areas I am already  involved  with. The club have been awarded the Family Excellence award for the past two seasons.

Throughout the season each club is visited by 'secret' supporters' who come and mark the club on Family Excellence and the Away Fan Experience. This meeting is where you learn what other clubs are doing and is a place to ask questions and discuss issues.

We also then had a Matchday Safety & Security Update by Bob Eastwood who gave instances of some of the current key issues and also some that are being targeted.

In the afternoon we discussed the Supporters ' Survey that the EFL is looking at running shortly, the Checkatrade Trophy and the EFL Charity Partner this season, MIND.

Following on from these meetings there has been a Stewards Training Event take place at the Abbey. This is the second one since the season began and included a Counter Terrorism Awareness briefing and a stadium evacuation taking place.

Click here to take the Being a Steward quiz

Read part 1 by clicking here

Click here tosee the SLO page

Dave M-Jones

Below is some information concerning the trip to Oldham

Website ---- www.oldhamathletic.co.uk

GETTING TO BOUNDARY PARK

By Car
To arrive at the club by car, please use OL1 2PA for Satellite Navigation. Oldham Athletic offers match-day parking for £15 per coach and £5 per car, however, this is a permit-holder only area. 

Please note, for away coaches use postcode: OL2 5BL
Supporters on a matchday should use the Hospital Car Park which has a cost of £3. A steward will be on hand to assist.

From M62
Exit at Junction 20 and take the A627M signed Oldham. Exit A627M at Junction 1 At the roundabout take the first exit (A663) sign-posted Royton & Oldham Athletic Football Club.

After 1⁄4 mile turn right onto Hilber Avenue. The entrance to the main car park will be signposted.
From M60 (Manchester orbital motorway)

Exit at Junction 22 and, at the traffic signals turn right onto the A62. At Manchester Street Roundabout take the 1st exit, then merge onto the A627.

At Featherstall Road North roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A627. Continue forward onto Westhulme Way and follow the road past the  B&Q Warehouse.

At the mini roundabout turn right for match day parking and left for the main reception.

By Public Transport

The nearest bus stops for SportsDirect.com Park are situated outside The Royal Oldham Hospital, at the top of Sheepfoot Lane.

Over 30 buses an hour serve these stops during the day, the most frequent being the 409 between Ashton under Lyne, Oldham, Royton and Rochdale.

The nearest train station to SportsDirect.com Park is Mills Hill (MIH) train station, Middleton which is approximately 2.1 miles from the stadium.

The closest metrolink station is Westwood which is approximately 1.3 miles and a 20-minute walk to the stadium.
For all public transport information visit www.rgm.com or contact Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.

Alternatively, a local taxi number is 0161 633 6960

There are many ways to travel, but one way that can help the club and also to beat the costs of traveling independently is by using the Away Travel coach.

For more information 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

We would like to say thank you to Ron, Jason and Chris at Florstor for their continued support in providing the artificial turf for the players entrance.

During the summer Florstor provided the artificial turf for the areas by the half way dug outs and now extended their help to improving the player entrance

Florstor recently moved to a new shop in Hills Road see below for details.

46 Hills Road
CB2 1LA Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
01223 213307
Website  www.florstor.co.uk/

Harrison played and inspired the U's to a victory and progression in the Checkatrade Trophy from the group stages

Follow the link below to see more photographs from the match taken by Ben Phillips.

To see the Colchester match day photographs click here
www.flickr.com/photos/141422009@N06/albums/72157703487479834

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

During the past few weeks we have been adding some photos to Facebook and Twitter - If you missed any see below some of those ones added and some new pictures

For the past several months we have been trying to find the banner that was flown at Wembley during the FA Trophy match against Gosport.

We hve now found it and placed it in the South Habbin see photos below. I

Time to write about another member of the emergency break down staff at the stadium

Glen Gawthrop has been working at the stadium for several decades firstly as part of Graham Barber electrical who were the clubs electrical contractor for a number of years and then when Glen set up on his own he became the club contract electrician.

Now whilst the football club obviously pay for a percentage of work carried out by Glen what people are not aware of is the amount of work he has undertaken over the years at no cost to the club. This commitment goes further as Glen has also sourced hundreds of pounds of materials for the club over the years at no cost to the club.

I have lost count on how many times I have put a call in to Glen at an unsociable time of day to ask for his assistance as we have encountered an electrical issue within the stadium, continuity within our contractors is essential as they know the stadium inside out.

Glen has now taken over as the match day electrician which is a requirement of the safety certificate our former match day electrician Stuart Doggett covered the match day role for over four decades and we also thank him for his commitment over the years.

The team off the pitch are as important as the team on the pitch and I would describe my squad as premier League quality.

We would all like to thank Glen for his time and effort over the years.

Ian Darler
Stadium Manager

Today on the 14th November the Cambridge United Futsal team ohave organised a fund-raising dinner for the benefit of the Futsal club.

During the evening there will be an auction held. See below the list of items - If you are not going to the meal but would like to bid on one of the items you can do so by using the contact form below before 3pm this afternoon

Futsal Dinner 2018 Auction Items
 
1.  A futsal ball and Cambridge United futsal team shirt, both signed by the 2018-19 squad-
PLUS a large Cambridge United Goody Bag containing a whole range of items, including a Hospitality gift voucher for 2 people in Club Cambridge with programmes and seats, match ticket voucher for 2 adults and 2 under-18s, Cufflinks, Leather bank card wallet, mug, water bottle,
“Joe Dunne” bobble hat, scarf, key ring and other small items.
 
2.  “Family Gift Pack” - a match day Mascot package at the Abbey for a youngster a signed Cambridge United FC ball and with signed shirts from this season and last.  PLUS a meal for four at Nando’s, Newmarket Road  AND two beautifully made hand-knitted dolls from the Edmund Trust charity
 
3. Caricature of a group of up to four people by Colin Proctor who draws these of the Cambridge United team. One for the family, the Reception area, or even the boardroom !
 
4.  Valuable Framed Limited Edition Football Art Print by Sybil Andrews, a renowned 1900s artist, donated by Lawson Gallery, King’s Parade, Cambridge
 
5.  A Fitness package donated by Hills Road Sports & Tennis Centre- voucher for one month’s unlimited gym use, fifty pound voucher for court or gym use, 1 year’s membership for the sports centre (gives you 7 day advance booking), 25% off centre activities and a 1-hour sports massage.  PLUS a large selection of Whey-Hey brownie-style low sugar, high protein nutrition bars.
 
6.  Christmas Made Easy - a 6ft tree, a wreath and a 6-bottle case ( NOT “Tesco“!) of French fizz, red, white and rose wines, dessert wine, Selwyn College port, delivered to your local home or office.
 
7.  A look behind the traffic cones at the largest road building project in Britain, which is still 2 years away from completion.  The A14 diverges from its present route beyond Swavesey and takes in a massive new river bridge over the East Coast main line railway and the River Ouse at Brampton. An Exclusive 3 Hour V.I.P Tour of the A14 Project for four people in a site four wheel drive pickup or a minibus.

--------------------------------------------------------INTERVAL--------------------------------------------------
 
8.  Six tickets to Cameron Mackintosh’s sell-out musical “Hamilton” on Friday 22nd February 2019 at The Victoria Palace Theatre in London. These are House seats in the Royal Circle, courtesy of 8build, who re-modelled the theatre for this production
 
9.  “Best Seats in the House“, Row G, centre of the stalls.  Four Panto Tickets to Aladdin this Christmas , on Thursday 13th December at 7pm, at Cambridge Arts Theatre, starring Wayne Sleep and Liza Goddard with meal before the show at the award-winning Trinity Restaurant in Trinity Street
 
10. Two tickets to “Thriller Live” - the Michael Jackson moonwalk and songs show at The Lyric Theatre, London, together with either pre-performance or interval drinks with the producer.
On a date to be agreed for early 2019.
 
11.  Individual Plane Flight - a flexible package for a one hour flight for one person, either open-air in a 2-seater Piper Cub or a larger aircraft, depending on weather. Takes off locally.
 
12.  “The James Bond” - watch the cars being made. A factory tour of the Aston Martin factory for one person, driven there and back in a DB9. Date to be agreed - 2019
 
13  A Rooftop Walk on King’s College Chapel for six people ( minimum height 4 ft)
(180 steps to climb) and afternoon tea at the beautifully situated Doubletree Hotel ( formerly The Garden House) on the river, with parking. Take your camera.

Everyday lives in wartime Barnwell examined

A booklet illuminating the everyday lives of the working-class people of east Cambridge during World War I has been published – the day before the centenary of the armistice.

Barnwell at War is the result of research by a 100 Years of Coconuts group in collaboration with Wolfson College.

To buy a copy of the book click here or on the photo  or visit the CFU outlet on match days

To read the 100yearsofcoconuts blog about the book Everyday lives in wartime Barnwell examine click here http://www.100yearsofcoconuts.co.uk/blog/everyday-lives-in-wartime-barnwell-examined

See the photos of the Abbey from last week taken by Alan Burge