Depth Perception

Last season, the major perceived shortcoming of the squad was the evident lack of strength in depth. Just one example was the bench during the York game at the Abbey which boasted one senior start between four players and the experienced Jack Eades who, at the time, had seven. There were a couple of uncontrollable reasons for this; firstly the unusual amount of injuries to key players, and also the large financial shadow of Mr Ling and his surplus to requirement players. Luckily now it appears that this financial burden is nearly over with just poor Adam Miller remaining on the surplus to requirements list and any lingering compensation paid off. Now for the first time, it seems that Jez can use his full, yet reduced, budget to improve the shortcomings of the previous year. George has gone about strengthening the depth of the squad adding in the two positions that were so badly decimated through injuries last year, the centre of defence and the wingers. England C international Scott Garner who is one short of 100 appearances at club level, adds to an already impressive backline consisting of Josh Coulson, Michael Wylde, James Jennings, Kevin Roberts, Blaine Hudson, Rory McAuley, Jonathan Thorpe and James Brighton. But it is not just new signings that have improved the depth of the backline, since last summer McAuley has transformed into a genuine first team player and the likes of Thorpe, Hudson and Brighton have had another year’s worth of experience. On the wings, last year was started with just Carew and Dunk with Jack Eades as youth cover. Today the U’s have a breadth of options with new signings Adriano Moke, Billy Gibson, Robbie Willmott adding to Harrison Dunk, with Eades and Thorpe waiting in the wings. The squad may have only added four extra players but it feels much deeper as well as stronger.

But is this depth necessarily a good thing?

First of all, the development of youth players may falter. Will players such as Eades, McAuley, Hudson, Hughes or Thorpe get as much first team experience? Of the wingers signed both, Gibson and Moke joined to play first team football and Willmott is looking to further his development. Will it be possible to keep all these players happy while still maintaining the strongest squad?

Jez has certainly improved the depth and strength of the squad on the pitch, but it could be his biggest challenge yet keeping that squad happy off it.

Moneybags F.C.

So, as customary for a typical Conference season, another ‘big spending’ club has appeared with the purpose of achieving promotion to the Football League. A little-known Gloucestershire club named Forest Green Rovers, who are currently the longest serving members of the Conference National, having become the third ‘Manchester City of the Conference’ in as many years. So far this summer they have signed no less than 4 strikers, Ben Wright from Braintree, Phil Marsh from Stalybridge Celtic, Omar Koroma previously of Portsmouth who has recently being plying his trade in Denmark and former U Magno Viera, who between them have scored 71 goals in 173 appearances for their previous clubs.
In addition to this year’s acquired firepower, Rover’s manager Dave Hockaday has been able to secure contract extensions for the influential midfield duo of Yan Klukowski and Kieron Forbes. Klukowski was Forest Green’s top goal scorer last season and has committed to 2014, where as 21 year old Forbes is contracted to 2015, respectively. Klukowski has attracted interested from higher clubs, with Luton Town reported to have had a bid turned down. Rovers also have Alhassan Bangura, who has two Championship play-off winner medals to his name from his time with Watford and Blackpool. He signed a three year deal in May 2011, however first season with the club was hampered with a reoccurring knee injury, and was restricted to 12 first team appearances. He many struggle to get back in the starting XI with the amount of attacking options they now have.
Only two years ago, Forest Green were relegated only to be reprieved due to Salisbury City being removed for breaking financial rules. During that season, loyal chairman Trevor Horsley revealed the club was in a serious financial situation. This led to the takeover by Ecotricty owner Dale Vince, he became majority shareholder and within a few months took over as chairman. As well as financially securing Rover’s future, Vince clearly wanted to make his mark on the club. He quickly banned the sale of red meat at the club, he announce the change of the away kits colour and the club’s badge. He also provided the club with 180 solar panels on the roof of the New Lawn’s main stand, helping the club generate 10% of its own electricity needed to power the New Lawn. Vince also influenced the clubs decision to work on making the pitch organic, which is a first in football. In 2011, Forest Green introduced the first robot lawn mower to be used by a British football club on to its playing surface. It all seems very positive doesn’t it?
Some unexpected departures also occurred in this summer with Horsley, who has been with Rovers for over 20 years resigned from the board in June stating “he feels he can no longer work alongside majority shareholder and current chairman Dale Vince.” Long term club secretary Colin Peake also left in early May. Perhaps all is not as well as it seems.
Will another money bag club pull off the sh*t or bust technique, it sure worked wonders for Crawley and Fleetwood. It may completely backfire on them however, the bookies expect a very good season for them with odds of 9/1 to gain promotion, even though their highest ever finish was in eighth place during the 07/08 season. Last season they managed to finish a very respectable tenth place, 11 points off the play-off places, 1 point behind the U’s. They may have the finances for the foreseeable future, but unlike Luton who can offer larger wages without breaking the bank due to their attendances, will they be able to stay afloat offering longer contracts and hoping to keep their better players. Only time will tell.
The question is will their current improvement on the pitch continue, I am very excited for this coming season supporting United, and we are doing the opposite of what Forest Green are doing. Signing younger players with the potential to play higher and they are almost certainly on lower wages. I will hope, for football’s sake as well as my own predisposition, we will see Cambridge prevail over Rovers in the league table come May 2013. We are going about things the right way, they undoubtedly are not.
To end on a factual note for you, Rover’s biggest loss in their history was against Cambridge United, where they lost 7-0 at the abbey in September 2009. Let’s hope we see a repeat of that result during the second phase of the Jezolution; Project Play-offs.

2012/2013 Centenary kit unveiled!

The Cambridge United kit for the 2012/2013 season has been announced, along with a new badge. The badge and kit commemorate the 100th year of the club, and a year in which most of the U’s are hoping for a promotion push from Jez and his boys. Both kits are made by Burrda, who also make Leicester, Watford and Wolves’s kits. The home kit is in a retro style with plain amber and black colours and no sponsor, while the away kit has reverted to white instead of the light blue that has been donned this year away from the Abbey. 

Smoke bomb at Tamworth!

The U’s fans behind the goal let off a smoke bomb towards the end of the second half at Tamworth.

Tom Shaw wins Player of the Year!

As voted by you, the loyal and hardcore fans, Tom Shaw has won Player of the Year! I’m confident that the tireless centre midfielder will be delighted that his life ambition has been achieved today. Well done Tom!

James Jennings and Kevin Roberts were tied for second and third place, something i’m sure they’ll be more than gutted to hear about.

Good season all round lads.

Bring on the Centenary year! Tamworth 2-2 Cambridge United

I distinctly remember eagerly trying to convince people that this was the year; we would go up. I’ll admit, I am a bit too optimistic at times. The pessimists have another victory to add to their tally this year, but however pessimistic they insist on being, we will all maintain we have had an excellent season. 25% budget cuts, 40% increased points tally and all with an extremely young squad. Impressive. That’s not even counting the cascade of injuries that have threatened our play-off push since October.

Yesterday was an away day to savour; a spirited performance from the usual mix of youngsters combined finally with a finishing touch in front of goal. Adam Marriott showed his worth, scoring two goals not dissimilar to that of a real poacher. He paired up well with Gash and then Hughes up front, running onto every flick-on and challenging for everything that came into the area. For his and Cambridge’s first goal, Hudson found Liam Hughes on the left who crossed the ball into the path of  Marriott and the ball hit the back of the net with a helping hand from goalkeeper Hedge. United had been behind for 14 minutes, following Jean-Paul Mariner’s opener. It looked for all the world that Naisbitt had been fouled as he came out to gather the cross,  but the ball fell kindly for Mariner who tapped the ball into the empty net in front of the travelling ‘mob’ from Cambridge. Tamworth’s goal was completely against the run of play, and Marriott’s equaliser was totally deserved. I can’t help thinking that on a different day with a different player, we wouldn’t  have taken that chance.

The second half started as brightly as the first half had left us. Almost directly from kick off Jordan Patrick picked up the ball down the right and played a dangerous ball into the six-yard box which dribbled into the bottom corner of the net. The tannoy man gave the goal to JP, but from behind the goal it was clear that there had been a flick-on from the head of Adam Marriott. I’m giving him the double he deserves. What a great decision from Jez to bring him back from his loan at City, even if it was a forced one. That instantaneous spell of play would signal the last time United had control of the game, as Tamworth came out from the kick off all guns blazing. ‘The Lambs’ lied 17th at kick off but they looked a very impressive outfit, with Christie and Collins leading the line and especially the goalkeeper, Jonathan Hedge, who had a marvellous afternoon in between the sticks and didn’t deserve to concede twice. With people saying Naisbitt is leaving, why not import some Tamworth blood? He also deserves a lot respect to him for laughing off the gardening-related jokes from the U’s fans behind the goal. Tamworth’s pressure eventually told, as 8 minutes after conceding McAuley was adjudged to have fouled Christie in the area and a penalty was given. To the short-lived delight of the U’s, Naisbitt saved the resulting penalty but he could do nothing about the bullet-header from Mariner once again. Tamworth had reacted quickest from the penalty and the goal is what their play had deserved. Fair cop. The U’s left their mark on The Lamb Ground when an orange flare was set off in the midst of the bouncing Amber Army. Incredible support being shown again, a real Italian Ultras showing here!

Personally, I went home a happy man, content about the prospect of vying for promotion in the centenary year of the club with a young and exciting team.

Champions elect: Cambridge United 2-0 Fleetwood Town

 

It seems like only yesterday that a new-look and youthful Cambridge United entered into the Abbey against AFC Telford, with the fans carrying that unassailable feeling of expectation. Now they look onto the team with that even more distinct feeling of disappointment, but was that not always expected from this extremely young team? To have still been within a good shout of play-offs going into the third to last game of the season is something we can be extremely proud of, especially considering the mountain of injuries which has had to be dealt with. Players like Jack Eades, Liam Hughes and Jonathan Thorpe were all forced to step up to the fore and produce in the key games. A lot to be expected from three academy graduates playing their first real competitive season of football.

On Saturday, United welcomed champions elect Fleetwood Town. The all-star team that includes million-pound worthy players as well as huge hulking centre backs came to Cambridge with nothing to play for. Although United technically had nothing to play for as well, it certainly didn’t look that way, as every player gave their all for the side in what was the last home game of the season. Quite a large crowd had been attracted to the Abbey, and they witnessed a first half performance from United that merited both the goals it eventually got.

At first, Cambridge pressed and looked the better team, with Fleetwood having to play mainly on the counter attack. They did look dangerous; Vardy and Mangan both had glimpses of goal, but nothing to really worry Naisbitt between the sticks. After 15 minutes, former Kettering striker Mcguire went down in the penalty area from a free kick, causing a long wait for a stretcher and a mob of medical staff, including U’s physio, to come on and aid him. United then took the lead through a Rossi Jarvis corner that eventually found its way to Jack Eades, who hit a beautiful curling effort at the second time of asking into the goal. Vardy tried to recover and clear the ball off the line, but it had already crossed. Anyway, Rory McAuley had already smashed the ball home, so it was 1-0 United either way. The second goal once again came from a corner; this time the ball is flicked on at the near post and then smashed home by McAuley at the back stick. He could have had two had Vardy cleared more efficiently. But anyway, another corner, another goal. In an area where we have been particularly poor in this season, it was nice to smite the league leaders with two well-worked goals.

The second half was a dull but somehow pleasant affair, with an injury ravaged United holding the league champions with ease and then some. The support of the fans towards the end of the half typifies what this season has been like for the good folk who pay their hard earned cash week in, week out. An uphill struggle, but at a glance, a fantastic season. So, how do you reduce your wage budget by 25% and increase your points total by 40%? Hire Jez George as manager.

Written by Julian Roberts. Follow him on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/#!/julianroberts3

U’s hopes dashed: Cambridge United 0-1 York City

It would not be too crazy for someone to think that a tie between the premier teams of two historic cities would be a Football League fixture, and if somehow you missed the last ten years you would be popping down to the Abbey expecting a battle against two sides recently relegated from the second division into the third. Cut to the present and we are faced with a game between the second longest serving Conference clubs, only FGR have been here longer than York, and the joint third side, with the club that finished above the U’s due to our timely administration, Kidderminster, still stuck here too. “Fielding a makeshift side” is often a phrase banded around Sky Sports in the Premier League when a squad of 47 is missing a couple of players, but Jez George’s U’s were certainly makeshift. Defensive injuries, to Coulson, Wylde and recently Roberts, the loss of wingers, Dunk, Carew, and Patrick, striker Andy Pugh and the unavailable Adam Marriott left the paper thin squad, even thinner with the bench having a combined total of 8 start, 7 of which from the ‘experienced’ Jack Eades, with a keeper, two left backs and a youth team striker making up the bench.

In the first half, a neutral would only have been able to spot the inexperienced team from the experienced by the youthful faces donning the famous black and amber. Both teams were snappy in midfield, wasting no time closing their opposition down and forcing mistakes creating chances early in the half from Gash and Hughes and ex-Histon man Oyebanjo getting to the ball before former teammate Naisbitt but unable to finish. With the game pretty open with both sides creating chances, Jez would have been the happier of the two managers heading into the break, and he must of thought it was going to get even better when a uncontrolled challenge from Gibson on Thorpe left the young right back rolling around in agony (not in a Ronaldo kind of way) and even though those kinds of challenges would have warranted a yellow just a few years ago, new refereeing instructions meant that Gibson could not really argue with what was a potentially serious injury causing lunge. Just moments later, captain Jennings reached the ball marginally late, catching the York man who himself rolled around in agony (in a Ronaldo kind of way) with Jennings escaping with a yellow that, in normal circumstances would have been a warning. The free kick was swung in, and met with a strong header that looked destined for the net before Naisbitt pulled off arguably the save of the season keeping out the Mistermen and ensuring the half finished 0-0.

Eades replaced Thorpe at the break who was forced off after a strong first half performance. However, the U’s who had brilliantly carried George’s plan to nullify a 11 man York seemed unsure in themselves against 10, and hopeful punts and sloppy passing crept into United’s play as the intensity of the first half dropped. Shaw picked up a cheap, only a yellow because of the red, card 50 minutes in, and United seemed intent on forcing a killer ball rather than making the extra man count. Jarvis’ corners were poor all night and Cambridge were made to pay just past the hour mark as York raced away with Walker on the break, Hudson stuck with him trying to buy some time, but Walker is one of the deadliest in the division and he spotted an opportunity and planted an excellent drive past Naisbitt. York, down to 10, had what they wanted and decided to stick, planting 9 men behind the ball hoping to catch United on the break again. George responded by reverting to Jimmy Quinn’s favourite the 3-5-2 with the Pell joining Gash due to limited options from the bench and Eades moving to right midfield and Hughes over to the left. A couple of corners were all the home side had to show despite dictating possession and it was a Jennings’ corner that led to another York break, with Eades tracking back admirably forcing a mistake when York should have tested Naisbitt. The clearly flagging Shaw, still struggling with an injury, was removed after being stuck inside the centre circle for some time by Brighton as Jez threw Hughes up front allowing Pell a chance to sit and dictate in his final appearance. Into injury time, a dangerous Eades cross skimmed Hughes’ head but nothing seemed coming for the U’s and as the final whistle blew York probably deserved the points. United’s effort and hard work from the first half was enough to nullify the visitors, but their inexperience was highlighted in the second as the depleted U’s struggled to make their numerical advantage count and got caught on the break. With York seemingly heading for the play offs, maybe it will be Cambridge who are the (joint) second longest serving Conference side, come their centenary year.

Written by Elliot Shaw. Follow him on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/#!/game_cufc

Tonight’s opponents: York City

Coming into this game, most people with an outside view of it would suggest only York have something to play with them currently occupying the fifth play-off spot.   But with only 3 games to go United, who sit comfortably in mid table, are 7 points off that position.   With a win tonight, and if Ebbsfleet do us a huge favour against Luton Town, is it just possible that we could sneak a late charge in for the last play-off place?

Since losing away to Alfreton just under a month ago, United’s results have been much on the positive side, we held a 1-0 lead until the 91^st minute against at the time title challengers Wrexham.  A 1-0 victory over Lincoln at Sincil Bank, a boring 0-0 affair on a terrible pitch against Hayes, and an impressive 3-1 win over Cumbrian side Barrow.  York’s form has slipped in recent weeks with two poor performances against relegation threatened Newport and a home loss to now champions Fleetwood Town.

York have danger men all through the squad, particularly top scorer Jason Walker who scored last Saturday after coming off  the bench, and 21 year old pacey winger Matty Blair.  Jon Challinor has earned a start after impressing last game, as does Ashley Chambers.  Defender Ben Gibson also may return of a spell out due to illness.

Our last encounter was an entertaining 2-2 draw back in October, where United took the lead not once but twice with York’s second equaliser coming in the closing minutes of the game, even that wasn’t enough drama, James Jennings still found time to have himself sent off for supposedly deliberately handling the ball. Both Harrison Dunk and Ex-minsterman Michael Gash scoring for the U’s.  Gash won’t be the only player to be playing against his former side, in the York ranks is ex-U Jon Challinor.  Another face you may recognise from his time at Histon is Lanre Oyebanjo.  It may also worth me mentioning we won 2-1 against York here last season,  with the winning goal coming from Danny Wright.

Even with my excitement and optimism coming towards of what has been a much improved season for the team, and the club as a whole.  It is hard to look past the injuries we have sustained over the last couple of months.  We already have long term injuries to Adam Miller, Harrison Dunk, Ashley Carew and Jordan Patrick.  We can now add Mr Reliable Kevin Roberts to that list after damaging ligaments in his ankle after going in for a committed header, which did result in a goal.  But there were worried looks all round has he did not get up off the floor.  We also have our two first choice centre back paring Josh Coulson and Michael Wylde out until the end of the season.   Newly signed striker Andy Pugh is out, as well as Adam Marriot who has recently been on loan at rivals Cambridge city not available.  Tom Shaw, James Jennings and Jack Eades are not fully fit but are expected to make the squad.  Lastly, our latest scholar turned pro Liam Hurst is still recovering from a Hamstring Injury.  It is possible we may be naming four on the bench again, might not even be able to that if the worst comes to the worst.

As you can see, I think I’ve covered all the bases for any excuses to be made about performances or the result tonight.   Anything less than a win at the Abbey, or a win for Luton at Kenilworth Road tonight will put us mathematically out of the play-offs for sure.  But that matters not, we all know how much we love non-league.   Nevertheless, just remember this season is just the start.  We know how much hard work is going on at the club, and how much ability this young team has.  The most important thing we can all do is support the team, and the club in securing a better future for ourselves, the young players we strive to development, and the entire community around us.

Probable starting line ups tonight are:

United: Naisbitt, Thorpe, McAuley, Hudson, Jennings, Hughes, Shaw, Jarvis, Pell, Berry, Gash.

York: Ingham, Challinor, Meredith, Smith, Parslow, Oyebanjo, Doig, Walker, Blair, Chambers, McLaughlin.

Written by Ash Hammersley. Follow him on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/#!/AshHammersley

Pugh out for season: Another chance for Maz?

Cambridge United’s injury problem just seems to be getting worse, as Andy Pugh was ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury picked up against Kettering Town. Pugh played brilliantly all game and scored a quite marvellous goal which he should have added to throughout the game. The partnership betwe

en Pugh and Gash up front was really starting to blossom, with the latter nodding balls into the path of Pugh who was continuously making some clever runs. However, all talk of this partnership continuing for the rest of this season must end and all talk of ‘What If?’ must begin.

Some would say that there is a silver lining to the situation, with Adam Marriott being re-called from Southern League Premier Division neighbours Cambridge City. After having failed to impress manager Jez George this season, he was sent on loan for experience, before he would be assessed by the coaching staff about keeping him on board. But suddenly, given the situation, his three goals in four games at City could offer United a vital lifeline when coming up against promotion hopefuls York and Fleetwood. Although these goals are at a lower level, it can not be argued that Pugh and Maz play similar styles, in that they would both make runs off Gash looking for any scraps. Pugh replaced Marriott when he signed from Welling, but now Maz has a chance to show the U’s faithful what he’s really made of.

Pugh is another who is added to the long list on the injury table, and there are fears that United won’t be able to fill the bench when we visit Barrow on Saturday. Josh Coulson, Harrison Dunk, Ashley Carew, Michael Wylde and Jordan Patrick are already out for definite, while Tom Shaw’s persistent knee problem makes him a doubt for Saturday’s visit to Holker Street. With Marriott involved in City’s tie against Weymouth, Liam Hurst occupied with CRC and Josh Dawkin returning to Norwich from his loan spell, United may not be able to fill the last two spaces on the bench. However, Jez George anticipates that Robert Ambrusics will make his second start for the club, having kept a clean-sheet in his debut at Hayes and Yeading.

Written by Julian Roberts. Follow him on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/#!/julianroberts3