Dave Matthews-Jones SLO Programme Article - Rotherham

This afternoon we welcome the supporters, officials and players of Rotherham to the Abbey Stadium. It is less than a month since the two sides met at the New York Stadium, however much has happened since then, both on and off the pitch. Cambridge United have advanced to the next rounds of both the Papa John’s Trophy and the FA Cup. The match at St James Park against Newcastle is certainly one to whet the appetite. Tickets are now on sale for the away coach as is the Boxing Day match at Wycombe Wanderers for more details see https://tinyurl.com/2p856w5f. 

 I have been involved in supporter matters with different organisations for more than twenty years and we seem to finally have a plan following the Fans Led Review for taking football forwards in England. It is an opportunity that will bring about a fairer system, a fairer distribution of funds across the pyramid, a regulator who will oversee the game properly and the opportunity to get supporters more involved at their clubs. It cannot be allowed to fail. Supporters cannot just sit back and accept the review will go through without some opposition. There will be and there is already opposition in some quarters. It is your responsibility to ensure the game is fit for the next generation. Your children and grand-children. It is up to everyone wanting a fairer system to make sure these changes happen and help the organisations trying to help you. There may not be another chance in our lifetime to ensure fairness and openness. 

 The FSA has campaigned for these changes on behalf of supporters and are asking supporters to help make sure the Government implement the changes in the review. They would like supporters and supporters’ groups to contact their MP’s urging them to back the proposals and get their support for the report by writing to Nadine Dorries the secretary of state for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). They believe most MPs will support the review’s proposals, but want to ensure the Government hears from all the elected representatives from across the country.  To find out who your local MP is and what to say to them and how to write the email see https://thefsa.org.uk/news/want-to-fix-football-heres-how-you-can-change-things/ 

 Please encourage everyone you know who is a football supporter to write. Following the debacle of the European Super League during the summer many supporters of those clubs will also be concerned about their club's future, encourage them to support the review. It is in their interest to do so.  This needs everyone to be involved if it is to have real success 

To read the Fans Led Review and see its recommendations see the link  https://thefsa.org.uk/news/fan-led-review-is-a-huge-step-forward/ 

 Following the recent Government regulations concerning covid please be patience and ensure you follow the advice, requirements and rules as you did previously.  Please have the relevant paperwork ready when you come on matchdays. It will speed everything up when getting to the turnstiles. We know you will and thank you for doing so in advance. Stay safe, look after yourself and enjoy the upcoming festive period.   

​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  

 If you would like to report a broken seat/bench in the Main or South Stands please contact the club by using the e-form below.  You can also report any facility issues as well via the form and we will endeavour to repair or address it as soon as we can  via the link here