2010–11 Cambridge United F.C. season
Encyclopedia
The 2010–11 season was the 99th season in the history of Cambridge United
in which they competed in the Conference National
, finishing 17th of 24, along with various cup competitions.
After relegation from the Football League in 2005, where the club had enjoyed a 35-year stay
, the club were hopeful of ending their six year spell in non-league football following a season of consolidation under manager Martin Ling
, who had taken over a club that had reached two successive play-off finals, but had lost both and was in disarray off the pitch.
However, United's season never recovered from a winless 5 game opening, and after flirting with relegation for much of the season, Ling was sacked on 1 February 2011 following a further run of four straight defeats, culminating in a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Bath City. Jez George, manager of United's youth development team CRC
, was appointed caretaker manager and oversaw the team's successful avoidance of relegation to the Conference South
.
as Abbey United, named after the Abbey district of Cambridge
. For many years they played amateur football until their election to the Football League in 1970. The early 1990s was Cambridge's most successful period; managed by John Beck
the club won the first ever play-off final at Wembley Stadium and gained promotion from the Fourth Division
before reaching two successive FA Cup
quarter finals in 1990 and 1991 and winning the Third Division
in 1991. The club reached the play-offs in 1992 but failed in their bid to become founder members of the Premier League. This was the club's highest final league placing to date and since then it has been in almost constant decline.
The following season the club sacked Beck and were relegated from the First Division
. Further relegation followed two seasons later. United returned to Division Two
but were relegated in 2002. In 2005, after 35 years in the Football League, Cambridge United were relegated into the Football Conference
. This brought with it financial difficulties and the club filed for administration
, coming out of it three months later after the intervention of sports minister Richard Caborn
, but not before selling their Abbey Stadium home to keep the club afloat and closing the youth system.
The club's first season in the Conference National
was one of stabilisation, followed by a close shave with relegation. Under the stewardship of Jimmy Quinn and Gary Brabin
Cambridge made two successive play-off finals but lost both to Exeter
and Torquay
respectively. After a season of mid-table rebuilding under new manager Martin Ling
, the club were hopeful of a push for promotion at the start of the season.
released a number of the 2009–10
at the end of that season, including established players such as Danny Potter
and Courtney Pitt
, and began to rebuild the squad in time for the upcoming season with the signings of a number of players. The signings of former Histon
players Danny Wright and Danny Naisbitt
, along with that of Kettering
defender James Jennings
and York
winger Simon Russell
, were announced at a game to celebrate the achievements of Director of Football Jez George in raising money and awareness for the club's 'Walk for Change' in May 2010.
This flurry of signings was followed the following month with the signing of another winger in the shape of Forest Green's
Conal Platt
, and experienced midfielder Adam Miller
, who reportedly turned down interest from League One sides Sheffield Wednesday
and Bradford City to join the club. The signing of veteran striker Daryl Clare
on 1 July, arriving for a fee of £10,000 on a two-year contract, led Ling to claim that his squad was all-but complete.
. Before the victory over Eastbourne, Cambridge found themselves in 23rd place, with just 3 points from a possible 15 and only 3 goals scored, the least in the league. The away loss to Mansfield Town
was particularly difficult to stomach, as the winning goal game from a hotly disputed penalty. James Jennings
was sent-off for the alleged handball, which to vindicate Cambridge's complaints, was rescinded on appeal.
at the Abbey Stadium
. The game was also notable for summer signing Daryl Clare's
first goal for the club, and former Histon
striker Danny Wright's first at home. Following back-to-back home wins, the club moved into a mid-table position, however this brief run of good form was not to continue: only one more win was achieved, in between losses to Luton
, Newport County and AFC Wimbledon
. The club's fortunes were not helped by a hip injury to winger Conal Platt
, and serious ankle damage to midfielder Adam Miller. Miller's injury turned out to be particularly serious - reconstructive surgery was forecast to put him out for 6 months.
and Hayes & Yeading
, leaving the club in the relegation zone. This brought the run to four consecutive losses and forced the board
to issue a vote of confidence in manager Martin Ling's management. This led to something of a renaissance in form - the club went unbeaten in the month's remaining four games, and won the last three, including a 3-0 home win against Lewes
in the FA Cup
Fourth Qualifying Round. Daryl Clare
, who had struggled to find his old form since joining the club with just 1 goal in 13 appearances, was ruled out for 6 weeks at the end of the month with a finger injury.
rule out for 6 weeks after undergoing a hernia
operation. This ruled Saah out of the televised
FA Cup First Round tie at home to Huddersfield Town
, which ended goalless, earning the club a lucrative replay. In the replay at the Galpharm Stadium
, although leading through a Rory McAuley goal, Huddersfield scored twice in added time to knock the U's out.
In the league
, Cambridge went unbeaten through November, picking up 6 points from their 4 goals. This included a memorable comeback against Tamworth
, who were 3 goals up after 58 minutes. However, the U's rallied and goals from Robbie Willmott, Jordan Patrick (his first for the first team) and Adam Mariott saw them salvage a point. Speaking to BBC Radio Cambridgeshire
, Rory McAuley, who had enjoyed an increased role in the first team, said he thought the club had come through their difficulties, and were working more as a team, saying "we're willing to work for each other and to help each other."
, who take over from Vandanel
who produced the club's kit for the previous three seasons.
The home kit changed from the previous season's amber shirt with a black sash, to a plain amber shirt following a premature end to Vandanel's sponsorship of the club owing to financial difficulties. The amber shorts and socks are also replaced, with all-black to be worn instead. The club's association with national brewers Greene King continues, with their IPA brand entering the second of a three year deal to be worn on the front of shirts.
Following the success of previous seasons' votes, the club's away kit was the subject of a fans' vote
. Three options were given, with fans invited to text a premium rate number with their favourite option. The winning design was a light blue and black striped shirt, which received 47% of the vote, narrowly beating a light and navy design with a curve detail which received 41%. The design is intended to remain for two seasons, and new manufacturers Erreà have confirmed they will go ahead with the fans' choice of design rather than adapting it to one of their standard designs
. The kit will bear the name of sponsors Kershaw for the tenth season, a local record for shirt sponsorship, breaking the company's own record from the preceding sponsorship agreement.
Last updated: 24 August 2010
Source: Cambridge United F.C. Club Statistics
Last updated: 4 September 2010
Source: BBC Sport
}>
A
1–1
Hudson 46'
536
Report
21 July 2010
Mildenhall Town
A
2–0
Wright 38'
Marriott 48'
Unknown
Report
24 July 2010
Lowestoft Town
A
1–2
Gray 9'
542
Report
26 July 2010
}
|align=center|A
|align=center|1–4
|align=center|Unknown
|align=center|Unknown
|align=center|N/A
|- style="background:#fdd;"
|align=center|27 July 2010
| Colchester United
|align=center|H
|align=center|0–1
|align=center|–
|align=center|941
|align=center|Report
|- style="background:#ffd;"
|align=center|29 July 2010
| Cambridge City
|align=center|A
|align=center|3–3
|align=center|Hughes 31, 62'
Berry 88'
|align=center|Unknown
|align=center|Report
|- style="background:#fdd;"
|align=center|31 July 2010
| Leyton Orient
|align=center|H
|align=center|1–3
|align=center|Willmott 90'
|align=center|1,037
|align=center|Report
|- style="background:#dfd;"
|align=center|2 August 2010
| Godmanchester Rovers
|align=center|A
|align=center|2–1
|align=center|Patrick 21', 70'
|align=center|130 (approx)
|align=center|Report
|- style="background:#dfd;"
|align=center|3 August 2010
| Bury Town
|align=center|A
|align=center|4–0
|align=center|Miller 28
Marriott 63', 73, 82'
|align=center|Unknown
|align=center|Report
|- style="background:#dfd;"
|align=center|7 August 2010
| Bishop's Stortford
|align=center|A
|align=center|4–2
|align=center|Wright 18', 28'
Miller 22'
Willmott 74'
|align=center|408
|align=center|Report
|}
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FA Trophy
Cambridge United F.C.
Cambridge United Football Club is a professional football club from Cambridge, England. They are currently playing the 2011-2012 season in the Conference National, the fifth tier of the English league system, where they have competed since 2005 following their relegation from the Football League...
in which they competed in the Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
, finishing 17th of 24, along with various cup competitions.
After relegation from the Football League in 2005, where the club had enjoyed a 35-year stay
History of Cambridge United F.C.
The History of Cambridge United F.C. covers almost 100 years. Since establishment in 1912 as Abbey United to play friendly games, the club grew quickly and was eventually elected to the Football League, of which it was a member for 35 years before relegation in 2005...
, the club were hopeful of ending their six year spell in non-league football following a season of consolidation under manager Martin Ling
Martin Ling
Martin Ling is an English football manager and former player, who is currently manager of Torquay United in League Two. He played in over 100 Football League matches for Exeter City, Southend United, Swindon Town and Leyton Orient, before moving into management where he led Orient for over five...
, who had taken over a club that had reached two successive play-off finals, but had lost both and was in disarray off the pitch.
However, United's season never recovered from a winless 5 game opening, and after flirting with relegation for much of the season, Ling was sacked on 1 February 2011 following a further run of four straight defeats, culminating in a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Bath City. Jez George, manager of United's youth development team CRC
Cambridge Regional College F.C.
Cambridge Regional College Football Club is an English football club based in Cambridge. The club are currently members of the Eastern Counties League Premier Division and play at the Abbey Stadium.-History:...
, was appointed caretaker manager and oversaw the team's successful avoidance of relegation to the Conference South
Conference South
Conference South is one of the second divisions of the Football Conference in England, taking its place immediately below the Conference National...
.
Background
Cambridge United were founded in 19121912 in football (soccer)
The following are the football events of the year 1912 throughout the world.-Events:For goalkeepers handling the ball is being restricted to their boxes; previously it was their own half, where goalkeepers were permitted to handle the ball....
as Abbey United, named after the Abbey district of Cambridge
Cambridge
The city of Cambridge is a university town and the administrative centre of the county of Cambridgeshire, England. It lies in East Anglia about north of London. Cambridge is at the heart of the high-technology centre known as Silicon Fen – a play on Silicon Valley and the fens surrounding the...
. For many years they played amateur football until their election to the Football League in 1970. The early 1990s was Cambridge's most successful period; managed by John Beck
John Beck (footballer)
John Alexander Beck is an English former footballer and manager. As a player he made nearly 500 league appearances between 1972 and 1988....
the club won the first ever play-off final at Wembley Stadium and gained promotion from the Fourth Division
Football League Fourth Division
The Fourth Division of The Football League was the fourth-highest division in the English football league system from the 1958–59 season until the creation of the Premier League prior to the 1992–93 season...
before reaching two successive FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
quarter finals in 1990 and 1991 and winning the Third Division
Football League Third Division
The Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
in 1991. The club reached the play-offs in 1992 but failed in their bid to become founder members of the Premier League. This was the club's highest final league placing to date and since then it has been in almost constant decline.
The following season the club sacked Beck and were relegated from the First Division
Football League First Division
The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
. Further relegation followed two seasons later. United returned to Division Two
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
but were relegated in 2002. In 2005, after 35 years in the Football League, Cambridge United were relegated into the Football Conference
Football Conference
The Football Conference is a football league in England which consists of three divisions called Conference National, Conference North, and Conference South. Some Football Conference clubs are fully professional, such as Luton Town, but most of them are semi-professional...
. This brought with it financial difficulties and the club filed for administration
Administration (insolvency)
As a legal concept, administration is a procedure under the insolvency laws of a number of common law jurisdictions. It functions as a rescue mechanism for insolvent entities and allows them to carry on running their business. The process – an alternative to liquidation – is often known as going...
, coming out of it three months later after the intervention of sports minister Richard Caborn
Richard Caborn
Richard George Caborn PC is a British Labour Party politician, who was the Member of Parliament for Sheffield Central from 1983 to 2010...
, but not before selling their Abbey Stadium home to keep the club afloat and closing the youth system.
The club's first season in the Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
was one of stabilisation, followed by a close shave with relegation. Under the stewardship of Jimmy Quinn and Gary Brabin
Gary Brabin
Gary Brabin is an English former footballer and manager, currently manager at Conference National club Luton Town.-Playing career:...
Cambridge made two successive play-off finals but lost both to Exeter
Exeter City F.C.
Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003...
and Torquay
Torquay United F.C.
Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley...
respectively. After a season of mid-table rebuilding under new manager Martin Ling
Martin Ling
Martin Ling is an English football manager and former player, who is currently manager of Torquay United in League Two. He played in over 100 Football League matches for Exeter City, Southend United, Swindon Town and Leyton Orient, before moving into management where he led Orient for over five...
, the club were hopeful of a push for promotion at the start of the season.
July
Manager Martin LingMartin Ling
Martin Ling is an English football manager and former player, who is currently manager of Torquay United in League Two. He played in over 100 Football League matches for Exeter City, Southend United, Swindon Town and Leyton Orient, before moving into management where he led Orient for over five...
released a number of the 2009–10
Cambridge United F.C. season 2009–10
The 2009–10 season was the 98th season in the history of Cambridge United F.C., and the club's fifth consecutive season in the Conference National...
at the end of that season, including established players such as Danny Potter
Danny Potter
Daniel Raymond John "Danny" Potter is an English footballer, who signed for Newport County on 29 May 2011, having been released by Torquay United.-Career:...
and Courtney Pitt
Courtney Pitt
Courtney Leon Pitt is an English footballer who plays for AFC Telford United as a midfielder. He previously played for Portsmouth, Luton Town, Coventry City, Oxford United, Boston United, Cambridge United, York City and Weymouth....
, and began to rebuild the squad in time for the upcoming season with the signings of a number of players. The signings of former Histon
Histon F.C.
Histon Football Club is an English football club based in the twin villages of Histon and Impington, approximately north of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. From the 2007–08 season they competed in the Conference National, the highest level that the club has ever reached in the English football league...
players Danny Wright and Danny Naisbitt
Danny Naisbitt
Daniel Naisbitt is an English football goalkeeper. He currently plays for Cambridge United.-Career:Born in Bishop Auckland, Naisbitt began his career as a trainee with Walsall, turning professional in 1997, but failed to make the Walsall first team and moved to Barnet in 1999...
, along with that of Kettering
Kettering Town F.C.
Kettering Town Football Club are a football club originating in Kettering, Northamptonshire but currently based in the nearby village of Irthlingborough. The club play in the Conference National after winning the Conference North in 2007–08...
defender James Jennings
James Jennings
James Ryan Jennings is an English footballer who plays for Cambridge United as a defender.-Career:Born in Manchester, Greater Manchester, Jennings joined the senior Macclesfield Town team in May 2006 and made his debut in a 1–0 victory against Walsall in the FA Cup as a 90th minute substitute on...
and York
York City F.C.
York City Football Club is an English football club based in York, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1922, they joined the Football League in 1929, and have spent most of their history in the lower divisions...
winger Simon Russell
Simon Russell
Simon Craig Russell is an English footballer who plays for Lincoln City as a midfielder. He previously played for Hull City, Kidderminster Harriers, York City, Tamworth and Cambridge United.-Career:...
, were announced at a game to celebrate the achievements of Director of Football Jez George in raising money and awareness for the club's 'Walk for Change' in May 2010.
This flurry of signings was followed the following month with the signing of another winger in the shape of Forest Green's
Forest Green Rovers F.C.
Forest Green Rovers Football Club is an English football club based in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, currently the longest-serving members of the Conference National. The club is affiliated to the Gloucestershire County FA.-Early years:...
Conal Platt
Conal Platt
Conal James Platt is a professional footballer who plays for Cambridge United. He is noted as an attacking footballer and his best position is centre forward or left forward.-Career:...
, and experienced midfielder Adam Miller
Adam Miller (footballer)
Adam Edward Miller is an English footballer, of Irish descent, who plays for Cambridge United. He began his career with Ipswich Town but failed to make the first team and played for several non-league teams before joining Queens Park Rangers, where he made his Football League debut in December 2004...
, who reportedly turned down interest from League One sides Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday F.C.
Sheffield Wednesday Football Club are a football club based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, who are currently competing in the Football League One in the 2011-12 season, in England. Sheffield Wednesday are one of the oldest professional clubs in the world and the fourth oldest in the...
and Bradford City to join the club. The signing of veteran striker Daryl Clare
Daryl Clare
Daryl Adam Clare is a Jersey-born Irish former professional footballer. He played as a striker. He has previously played for Grimsby Town, Northampton Town, Cheltenham Town, Boston United, Chester City, Crawley Town, Burton Albion, Rushden & Diamonds, Mansfield Town and Gateshead. He has twice won...
on 1 July, arriving for a fee of £10,000 on a two-year contract, led Ling to claim that his squad was all-but complete.
August
Despite general optimism at the start of the season the team started badly, with no win coming until the 6th game, at home to Eastbourne BoroughEastbourne Borough F.C.
Eastbourne Borough are a semi-professional English football club, based in the town of Eastbourne, East Sussex, and are members of the Conference South. They are known as The Sports after their previous name as Langney Sports. Eastbourne Borough play their home matches at Priory Lane in Langney...
. Before the victory over Eastbourne, Cambridge found themselves in 23rd place, with just 3 points from a possible 15 and only 3 goals scored, the least in the league. The away loss to Mansfield Town
Mansfield Town F.C.
Mansfield Town Football Club is an English football club from the former mining town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The club was formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans and changed its name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910...
was particularly difficult to stomach, as the winning goal game from a hotly disputed penalty. James Jennings
James Jennings
James Ryan Jennings is an English footballer who plays for Cambridge United as a defender.-Career:Born in Manchester, Greater Manchester, Jennings joined the senior Macclesfield Town team in May 2006 and made his debut in a 1–0 victory against Walsall in the FA Cup as a 90th minute substitute on...
was sent-off for the alleged handball, which to vindicate Cambridge's complaints, was rescinded on appeal.
September
September started much more positively, with a 5-0 thrashing of GatesheadGateshead F.C.
Gateshead Football Club are a professional Association football club, based in Gateshead, England. They currently play in the Conference National, the fifth level of the English football league system.Ian Bogie is the current manager....
at the Abbey Stadium
Abbey Stadium
The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators...
. The game was also notable for summer signing Daryl Clare's
Daryl Clare
Daryl Adam Clare is a Jersey-born Irish former professional footballer. He played as a striker. He has previously played for Grimsby Town, Northampton Town, Cheltenham Town, Boston United, Chester City, Crawley Town, Burton Albion, Rushden & Diamonds, Mansfield Town and Gateshead. He has twice won...
first goal for the club, and former Histon
Histon F.C.
Histon Football Club is an English football club based in the twin villages of Histon and Impington, approximately north of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. From the 2007–08 season they competed in the Conference National, the highest level that the club has ever reached in the English football league...
striker Danny Wright's first at home. Following back-to-back home wins, the club moved into a mid-table position, however this brief run of good form was not to continue: only one more win was achieved, in between losses to Luton
Luton Town F.C.
Luton Town Football Club is an English professional football club based since 1905 at Kenilworth Road, Luton, Bedfordshire. The club currently competes in the fifth tier of English football, the Conference National, for the third consecutive season during the 2011–12 season.Formed in 1885, it was...
, Newport County and AFC Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon is a professional English football club that traces its origins to Wimbledon in the London Borough of Merton. Based at Kingsmeadow, Kingston upon Thames, the club are members of Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football....
. The club's fortunes were not helped by a hip injury to winger Conal Platt
Conal Platt
Conal James Platt is a professional footballer who plays for Cambridge United. He is noted as an attacking footballer and his best position is centre forward or left forward.-Career:...
, and serious ankle damage to midfielder Adam Miller. Miller's injury turned out to be particularly serious - reconstructive surgery was forecast to put him out for 6 months.
October
The month started with two more losses, to Bath CityBath City F.C.
Bath City Football Club are a semi-professional football club based in Bath, Somerset. They play in the Conference National league after gaining promotion from the Conference South via the play-offs in May 2010...
and Hayes & Yeading
Hayes & Yeading United F.C.
Hayes & Yeading United F.C. are an English football club based in Woking in Surrey. They were formed in May 2007 following a merger of Hayes and Yeading. They play at the Kingfield Stadium agreeing a groundshare with Woking-History:...
, leaving the club in the relegation zone. This brought the run to four consecutive losses and forced the board
Board of directors
A board of directors is a body of elected or appointed members who jointly oversee the activities of a company or organization. Other names include board of governors, board of managers, board of regents, board of trustees, and board of visitors...
to issue a vote of confidence in manager Martin Ling's management. This led to something of a renaissance in form - the club went unbeaten in the month's remaining four games, and won the last three, including a 3-0 home win against Lewes
Lewes F.C.
Lewes Football Club is an English football team based in Lewes, East Sussex. The club are currently members of the Isthmian League Premier Division and play at the Dripping Pan.-History:...
in the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
Fourth Qualifying Round. Daryl Clare
Daryl Clare
Daryl Adam Clare is a Jersey-born Irish former professional footballer. He played as a striker. He has previously played for Grimsby Town, Northampton Town, Cheltenham Town, Boston United, Chester City, Crawley Town, Burton Albion, Rushden & Diamonds, Mansfield Town and Gateshead. He has twice won...
, who had struggled to find his old form since joining the club with just 1 goal in 13 appearances, was ruled out for 6 weeks at the end of the month with a finger injury.
November
United's injury woes continued at the start of November, with commanding centre-back Brian SaahBrian Saah
Brian Ebo Saah is an English footballer who plays for Torquay United.-Club career:Despite starting as a central midfielder, Saah was converted to a central defender and won praise for his displays deputising for first team regulars John Mackie and Gabriel Zakuani during the 2005–06...
rule out for 6 weeks after undergoing a hernia
Hernia
A hernia is the protrusion of an organ or the fascia of an organ through the wall of the cavity that normally contains it. A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach protrudes into the mediastinum through the esophageal opening in the diaphragm....
operation. This ruled Saah out of the televised
ESPN (UK)
ESPN is a sports television channel in the United Kingdom and Ireland owned by American sports broadcaster ESPN Inc. The channel launched on 3 August 2009...
FA Cup First Round tie at home to Huddersfield Town
Huddersfield Town F.C.
Huddersfield Town Football Club is an English football club formed in 1908 and based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. They currently play in League One...
, which ended goalless, earning the club a lucrative replay. In the replay at the Galpharm Stadium
Galpharm Stadium
The Galpharm Stadium, formerly the Alfred McAlpine Stadium, is a multi-use sports in Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, England. Since 1994, it has been the home ground of Huddersfield Town and Super League side, Huddersfield Giants.-The Stadium:...
, although leading through a Rory McAuley goal, Huddersfield scored twice in added time to knock the U's out.
In the league
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
, Cambridge went unbeaten through November, picking up 6 points from their 4 goals. This included a memorable comeback against Tamworth
Tamworth F.C.
Tamworth Football Club are an English semi-professional football club based in the town of Tamworth, Staffordshire. Nicknamed 'The Lambs', they are currently members of the Conference National, the fifth highest tier in the English league system....
, who were 3 goals up after 58 minutes. However, the U's rallied and goals from Robbie Willmott, Jordan Patrick (his first for the first team) and Adam Mariott saw them salvage a point. Speaking to BBC Radio Cambridgeshire
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire is the BBC Local Radio service for the English county of Cambridgeshire. It originally broadcast from studios on Hills Road close to the train station in Cambridge - which have now moved to a new multi-million pound centre at the Cambridge Business Park on Cowley Road - ...
, Rory McAuley, who had enjoyed an increased role in the first team, said he thought the club had come through their difficulties, and were working more as a team, saying "we're willing to work for each other and to help each other."
Team kit
The team kit for the season is produced by Italian manufacturers ErreàErreà
Erreà is a sportswear trademark founded in 1988, in Torrile...
, who take over from Vandanel
Vandanel Sports Limited
Vandanel Sports Limited are a British-based sports apparel company.Vandanel was a family business that was formed in 1984, with Graham Burke who headed the company with his son Neil...
who produced the club's kit for the previous three seasons.
The home kit changed from the previous season's amber shirt with a black sash, to a plain amber shirt following a premature end to Vandanel's sponsorship of the club owing to financial difficulties. The amber shorts and socks are also replaced, with all-black to be worn instead. The club's association with national brewers Greene King continues, with their IPA brand entering the second of a three year deal to be worn on the front of shirts.
Following the success of previous seasons' votes, the club's away kit was the subject of a fans' vote
Televoting
Televoting, telephone voting or phone voting is a method of decision making and opinion polling conducted by telephone. Televoting can also extend to voting by SMS text message via a mobile cell phone.- Broadcast contest televoting :...
. Three options were given, with fans invited to text a premium rate number with their favourite option. The winning design was a light blue and black striped shirt, which received 47% of the vote, narrowly beating a light and navy design with a curve detail which received 41%. The design is intended to remain for two seasons, and new manufacturers Erreà have confirmed they will go ahead with the fans' choice of design rather than adapting it to one of their standard designs
Ready-to-wear
Ready-to-wear or prêt-à-porter is the term for factory-made clothing, sold in finished condition, in standardized sizes, as distinct from made to measure or bespoke clothing tailored to a particular person's frame. Off-the-peg is sometimes used for items which are not clothing.Ready-to-wear has...
. The kit will bear the name of sponsors Kershaw for the tenth season, a local record for shirt sponsorship, breaking the company's own record from the preceding sponsorship agreement.
First team squad
This shows the most up-to-date Cambridge United squad following transfers during the season. To view previous players see the appearances and discipline table which includes all players to appear in a match day squad during the season.Appearances and discipline
| No. | Pos. | Name | League | FA Cup | FA Trophy | Total | Discipline | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |  |
 |
|||
| 1 | GK | Danny Naisbitt Danny Naisbitt Daniel Naisbitt is an English football goalkeeper. He currently plays for Cambridge United.-Career:Born in Bishop Auckland, Naisbitt began his career as a trainee with Walsall, turning professional in 1997, but failed to make the Walsall first team and moved to Barnet in 1999... |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | DF | Kevin Roberts Kevin Roberts (footballer) Kevin Roberts is an English footballer who plays for Cambridge United. He has played as both a defender and midfielder. He is the cousin of Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Alex Smithies.-Career:... |
4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | DF | James Jennings James Jennings James Ryan Jennings is an English footballer who plays for Cambridge United as a defender.-Career:Born in Manchester, Greater Manchester, Jennings joined the senior Macclesfield Town team in May 2006 and made his debut in a 1–0 victory against Walsall in the FA Cup as a 90th minute substitute on... |
3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 4 | MF | Josh Coulson |
3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 5 | DF | Brian Saah Brian Saah Brian Ebo Saah is an English footballer who plays for Torquay United.-Club career:Despite starting as a central midfielder, Saah was converted to a central defender and won praise for his displays deputising for first team regulars John Mackie and Gabriel Zakuani during the 2005–06... |
4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 6 | DF |  David PartridgeDavid Partridge David William Partridge is an English-born Welsh professional footballer who plays for Thurrock. He plays as a defender and has won seven caps for Wales... |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 7 | MF | Simon Russell Simon Russell Simon Craig Russell is an English footballer who plays for Lincoln City as a midfielder. He previously played for Hull City, Kidderminster Harriers, York City, Tamworth and Cambridge United.-Career:... |
4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 8 | MF | Adam Miller Adam Miller (footballer) Adam Edward Miller is an English footballer, of Irish descent, who plays for Cambridge United. He began his career with Ipswich Town but failed to make the first team and played for several non-league teams before joining Queens Park Rangers, where he made his Football League debut in December 2004... |
3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 9 | FW | Danny Wright |
4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| 10 | FW | Daryl Clare Daryl Clare Daryl Adam Clare is a Jersey-born Irish former professional footballer. He played as a striker. He has previously played for Grimsby Town, Northampton Town, Cheltenham Town, Boston United, Chester City, Crawley Town, Burton Albion, Rushden & Diamonds, Mansfield Town and Gateshead. He has twice won... |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 11 | MF | Robbie Willmott |
4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 12 | DF | Rory McAuley |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 14 | MF | Conal Platt Conal Platt Conal James Platt is a professional footballer who plays for Cambridge United. He is noted as an attacking footballer and his best position is centre forward or left forward.-Career:... |
4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 15 | MF | Paul Carden Paul Carden Paul Andrew Carden is an English footballer who plays in midfield as a player/coach for Luton Town. While at Cambridge United, Carden was the club's assistant manager. He has previously played for Blackpool, Rochdale, Chester City, Doncaster Rovers, Peterborough United, Accrington Stanley, Burton... |
4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 16 | FW | Wayne Gray |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 17 | MF | Sam Ives |
1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 18 | DF | Darryl Coakley |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 19 | FW | Adam Marriott |
4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 20 | MF | Jordan Patrick |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 26 | DF | Blaine Hudson |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 27 | MF | Luke Berry |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 | GK | Simon Brown Simon Brown (footballer born 1976) Simon James Brown is an English footballer, who currently plays for Cambridge United. Brown is a goalkeeper.-Playing career:... |
4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Last updated: 24 August 2010
Source: Cambridge United F.C. Club Statistics
Top scorers
Includes all competitive matches. The list is sorted by squad number when total goals are equal.| Position | Nation | Squad Number | Name | League | FA Cup | FA Trophy | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FW | |
9 | Danny Wright | 10 | 1 | 1 | 12 |
| MF Midfielder A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role... |
|
N/A | Robbie Willmott | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| FW | |
16 | Wayne Gray | 7 | 1 | 0 | 8 |
| MF Midfielder A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role... |
|
7 | Simon Russell Simon Russell Simon Craig Russell is an English footballer who plays for Lincoln City as a midfielder. He previously played for Hull City, Kidderminster Harriers, York City, Tamworth and Cambridge United.-Career:... |
6 | 1 | 1 | 8 |
| DF Defender (association football) Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking.... |
|
5 | Brian Saah Brian Saah Brian Ebo Saah is an English footballer who plays for Torquay United.-Club career:Despite starting as a central midfielder, Saah was converted to a central defender and won praise for his displays deputising for first team regulars John Mackie and Gabriel Zakuani during the 2005–06... |
3 | 0 | 2 | 5 |
| DF Defender (association football) Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking.... |
|
4 | Josh Coulson | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| FW | |
19 | Adam Marriott | 3 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| FW | |
29 | Liam Hughes | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| MF Midfielder A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role... |
|
20 | Jordan Patrick | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| DF Defender (association football) Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking.... |
|
3 | James Jennings James Jennings James Ryan Jennings is an English footballer who plays for Cambridge United as a defender.-Career:Born in Manchester, Greater Manchester, Jennings joined the senior Macclesfield Town team in May 2006 and made his debut in a 1–0 victory against Walsall in the FA Cup as a 90th minute substitute on... |
1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| MF Midfielder A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role... |
|
27 | Luke Berry | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| FW | |
10 | Daryl Clare Daryl Clare Daryl Adam Clare is a Jersey-born Irish former professional footballer. He played as a striker. He has previously played for Grimsby Town, Northampton Town, Cheltenham Town, Boston United, Chester City, Crawley Town, Burton Albion, Rushden & Diamonds, Mansfield Town and Gateshead. He has twice won... |
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| MF Midfielder A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role... |
|
N/A | Dean Sinclair | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| MF Midfielder A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role... |
|
N/A | Mark Bentley | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| DF Defender (association football) Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking.... |
|
12 | Rory McAuley | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| DF Defender (association football) Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking.... |
|
N/A | David Partridge David Partridge David William Partridge is an English-born Welsh professional footballer who plays for Thurrock. He plays as a defender and has won seven caps for Wales... |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| DF Defender (association football) Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking.... |
|
2 | Kevin Roberts Kevin Roberts (footballer) Kevin Roberts is an English footballer who plays for Cambridge United. He has played as both a defender and midfielder. He is the cousin of Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Alex Smithies.-Career:... |
0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Own Goals | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |||
| TOTALS | 53 | 4 | 8 | 65 |
Last updated: 4 September 2010
Source: BBC Sport
Overall
This table takes account of all competitive matches.| Statistic | Notes | |||||
| Games played | 52 | 46 in the League, 3 in the FA Cup, 3 in the FA Trophy | ||||
| Games won | 13 | 11 in the League, 1 in the FA Cup, 1 in the FA Trophy | ||||
| Games drawn | 19 | 17 in the League, 1 in the FA Cup, 1 in the FA Trophy | ||||
| Games lost | 20 | 18 in the League, 1 in the FA Cup, 1 in the FA Trophy | ||||
| Goals scored | 65 | See Top Scorers table above for distribution | ||||
| Goals conceded | 73 | |||||
| Goal difference | 8 | |||||
| Clean sheets | 14 | |||||
| Yellow cards | 73 | |||||
| Red cards | 6 | The red card awarded to James Jennings James Jennings James Ryan Jennings is an English footballer who plays for Cambridge United as a defender.-Career:Born in Manchester, Greater Manchester, Jennings joined the senior Macclesfield Town team in May 2006 and made his debut in a 1–0 victory against Walsall in the FA Cup as a 90th minute substitute on... for deliberate handball in the 1-0 defeat at Mansfield Town Mansfield Town F.C. Mansfield Town Football Club is an English football club from the former mining town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The club was formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans and changed its name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910... on 28 August 2010 was subsequently rescinded by the FA, and is therefore not included in this total. |
||||
| Worst discipline | James Jennings James Jennings James Ryan Jennings is an English footballer who plays for Cambridge United as a defender.-Career:Born in Manchester, Greater Manchester, Jennings joined the senior Macclesfield Town team in May 2006 and made his debut in a 1–0 victory against Walsall in the FA Cup as a 90th minute substitute on... |
2 red card, 8 yellow cards | ||||
| Best result | 5-0 | v. Gateshead Gateshead F.C. Gateshead Football Club are a professional Association football club, based in Gateshead, England. They currently play in the Conference National, the fifth level of the English football league system.Ian Bogie is the current manager.... , 4 September 2010 |
||||
| Worst result | 1-5 0-4 |
v. Mansfield Town Mansfield Town F.C. Mansfield Town Football Club is an English football club from the former mining town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The club was formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans and changed its name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910... , 23 December 2010 v. Bath City Bath City F.C. Bath City Football Club are a semi-professional football club based in Bath, Somerset. They play in the Conference National league after gaining promotion from the Conference South via the play-offs in May 2010... , 29 January 2011 |
||||
| Most appearances | 47 | Wright | ||||
| Top scorer | 10 | Willmott, Wright | ||||
| Points | 50 | Out of a possible 138 (36%) | ||||
| Match won | Match drawn | Match lost |
Pre-season
| Friendlies Exhibition game An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition... |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kick Off | Opponents | H / A | Result | Scorers | Attendance | Report |
| 17 July 2010 |
Mildenhall TownMildenhall Town F.C.
Mildenhall Town F.C. is an English football club based in Mildenhall, Suffolk. They are currently members of the Premier Division of the Eastern Counties League, and play at Recreation Way.The club is affiliated to the Suffolk County FA.-History:...
Marriott 48'
Lowestoft TownLowestoft Town F.C.
Lowestoft Town F.C. is an English football club based in Lowestoft, Suffolk. The club are currently members of the Isthmian League Premier Division and play at Crown Meadow.-History:...
|align=center|A
|align=center|1–4
|align=center|Unknown
|align=center|Unknown
|align=center|N/A
|- style="background:#fdd;"
|align=center|27 July 2010
|
Colchester UnitedColchester United F.C.
Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910....
|align=center|H
Abbey Stadium
The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators...
|align=center|0–1
|align=center|–
|align=center|941
|align=center|Report
|- style="background:#ffd;"
|align=center|29 July 2010
|
Cambridge CityCambridge City F.C.
Cambridge City Football Club is an English football club currently playing in the Southern League Premier Division.-History:The club was founded in 1908 Cambridge Town F.C., as Cambridge had not been granted city status at that point, and were committed to amateur sport...
|align=center|A
City Ground, Cambridge
The City Ground is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It is the home of Southern League Premier Division club Cambridge City F.C.-History:...
|align=center|3–3
|align=center|Hughes 31, 62'
Berry 88'
|align=center|Unknown
|align=center|Report
|- style="background:#fdd;"
|align=center|31 July 2010
|
Leyton OrientLeyton Orient F.C.
Leyton Orient F.C. are an English professional football club in East London. They currently play in Football League One and are known to their fans as the O's.Leyton Orient have spent one season in the top flight of English football, in 1962–63...
|align=center|H
Abbey Stadium
The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators...
|align=center|1–3
|align=center|Willmott 90'
|align=center|1,037
|align=center|Report
|- style="background:#dfd;"
|align=center|2 August 2010
|
Godmanchester RoversGodmanchester Rovers F.C.
Godmanchester Rovers F.C. is an English football club based in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire. The club are currently members of Eastern Counties League Division One and play at Bearscroft Lane.-History:...
|align=center|A
|align=center|2–1
|align=center|Patrick 21', 70'
|align=center|130 (approx)
|align=center|Report
|- style="background:#dfd;"
|align=center|3 August 2010
|
Bury TownBury Town F.C.
Bury Town Football Club is an English semi-professional football club, based in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. The club are currently members of the Isthmian League Premier Division and play at Ram Meadow.-Early history:...
|align=center|A
|align=center|4–0
|align=center|Miller 28
Marriott 63', 73, 82'
|align=center|Unknown
|align=center|Report
|- style="background:#dfd;"
|align=center|7 August 2010
|
Bishop's StortfordBishop's Stortford F.C.
Bishop's Stortford F.C. is an English football club based in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire. The club are currently members of the Conference North and play at Woodside Park.-History:The club was established in 1874...
|align=center|A
|align=center|4–2
|align=center|Wright 18', 28'
Miller 22'
Willmott 74'
|align=center|408
|align=center|Report
|}
- A. The club competed in some freiendlies as a Cambridge United XI, rather than a full first team. Where indicated, a Cambridge United XI team played which featured more a mixture of squad players and trialists than in other games.
Results by round
Matches
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FA Cup
FA Trophy2010–11 FA TrophyThe 2010–11 FA Trophy is the 41st season of the FA Trophy, the Football Association's cup competition for teams at levels 5–8 of the English football league system. A total of 266 clubs have entered the competition...
In
Out
Backroom staff
| Job title | Name |
|---|---|
| Manager | Martin Ling Martin Ling Martin Ling is an English football manager and former player, who is currently manager of Torquay United in League Two. He played in over 100 Football League matches for Exeter City, Southend United, Swindon Town and Leyton Orient, before moving into management where he led Orient for over five... (until 1 February 2011) Jez George (appointed 1 February 2011) |
| Player/Assistant Manager | Paul Carden Paul Carden Paul Andrew Carden is an English footballer who plays in midfield as a player/coach for Luton Town. While at Cambridge United, Carden was the club's assistant manager. He has previously played for Blackpool, Rochdale, Chester City, Doncaster Rovers, Peterborough United, Accrington Stanley, Burton... |
| Director of Youth Football | Jez George |
| Centre of Excellence Manager | Marc Tracy |
| Physiotherapist Athletic trainer An athletic trainer is a certified, health care professional who practices in the field of sports medicine. Athletic training has been recognized by the American Medical Association as an allied health care profession since 1990.... |
Greg Reid |
| Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon | Dennis Edwards |
| Medical Officer | Dr M Wharton |
See also
- 2010–11 in English football2010–11 in English footballThe 2010–11 season was the 131st season of competitive football in England.The season began on 6 August 2010 for the Football Leagues, with the Premier League and Football Conference both starting eight days later on 14 August 2010. The Championship, League One, and League Two ended on 7 May...
- 2010–11 Football Conference season2010–11 Football ConferenceThe 2010–11 Football Conference season was the seventh season with the Conference consisting of three divisions and the thirty-second season overall. The Conference covers the top two levels of Non-League football in England. The Conference National is the fifth highest level of the overall...