Current Board Members

I was born in Cambridge in Coronation year. I went to my first match in 1967 and enjoyed watching our meteoric rise to the verge of the Premier League. Until the advent of Alan Biley, the best player I’ve seen in a United shirt, my favourite player was Rodney Slack, the antithesis of some of today’s pampered superstars, brave, honest and utterly loyal to his club. My most memorable moment as a fan was winning promotion at the real Wembley stadium.

The very worst time was a nil-nil draw at home to Rochdale which saw us drop out of the League. I will be forever grateful to Richard Caborn, the minister for sport, who stepped in and saved the club when it was hours from extinction. He, like the rest of us, recognised how important this club is to our community.

I live in Barton Bendish in rural Norfolk which means that travelling to home matches, visiting family and playing Walking Football under the expert direction of Phil Mullin has become much easier. I am very proud of the way CFU helped the club to greater financial stability by bringing about an independent audit. I believe that our current role is to represent the views of all fans as fairly and fully as possible. There is much to be proud of in our club, success on the field, stability, the Community Trust and the fabulous provision for Disability Football Teams. We have the task of being good listeners and advocates. Beyond that, we exist to help our club thrive.

I am delighted that we have played our full part in the creation of a Shadow Board, something which will guarantee that supporters’ groups and the club work more closely together than ever. We are particularly keen to help the club in its quest for greater equality and diversity and we would love to see more young people join CFU and take their place on the committee. The future is bright.

My name is Ben Phillips & I have been coming to the U’s since a child. Cambridge United is a love for my whole family with multiple members attending regularly at the abbey over the years. It was my Uncle Brian though who brought me to my first game and despite the heartaches, twists and turns & the occasional promotions and the rollercoaster ride supporting the club has given, I have not looked back since.

I have too many favourite united games, but one that does stand out has to be that famous night at Forest in the Worthington Cup in the 1998 season. Growing up in the 90’s, I idolised players such as John ‘Shaggy Taylor’ & also Paul Wanless.  I am the youngest member of the trust committee currently. I first got into volunteering at the football club thanks to Will Jones who convinced me to help him with a number of projects such as the South Stand Initiative & the Amber Army one. Through this I got to know the legend that is Dave Matthew Jones & I have worked with Dave & CFU on various projects over the years, from shaking buckets as a teenager in the club’s crisis to running & recently creating a successful ticketing initiative on behalf of the club. With the ticket initiative I marketed the football club to the student community of Cambridge & had over 900 students attend the abbey on a Tuesday evening to watch the U’s, with many returning since.  I have also worked at volunteering and helping Ian Darler & Dave at the ground on and off since a teenager.

As well as constantly badgering Dave with Ideas on things that the club should be doing for fans or new initiatives I would like to run & work with the club on, I have also became part of the 100 years of coconuts committee and interview and chat with ex U’s legends documenting their memories for fans to enjoy for years to come.

I am passionate about fan communication and how the football club should be engaging with their fan base & creating content to communicate with fans. On a match day I can be found pitch side creating content as part of the football Clubs in house media team. I am also passionate about trying to help seek improvements and links for Cambridge United as a visual presence at the heart of the community within the city we live in, so we can hopefully engage and find new potential fans.  

I would like to see the football club continue to improve the match day experience for fans or people in general when attending a match at the abbey. I think it’s crucial now more than ever that we look at bringing the next generation of young fans into the football club to allow it to keep breathing and flourishing for years to come. 

I have been a CFU member since it started in 2000, and joined the CFU Trust Board in 2003. I was CFU Secretary 2003 to 2013 before reverting back to a Board member.

As a qualified referee at the time I organised the many referees required for the CFU Youth football tournaments on Coldhams Common, and also ran the CFU Xmas 5-a-side football tournaments at Kelsey Kerridge Sports Centre. I currently manage the CFU Membership system and send out email to members on a regular basis.

I have supported the U’s since 1970, and shout encouragement from the right side of the NRE. For a number of years, I have been one of the regular helpers at the CFU caravan on match days selling programmes, 50/50 tickets, books and answering questions from fans.

I believe fans should have a louder voice in all areas of football, and Fans Trusts are one of the best ways to achieve this.

Have been a supporter of this famous club for over 60 years, so will never stop working for the cause, "I was here at the start, so I'll stay until the job's done", my motto on the M/B.

I have also been a member of the VPC since 1971, a year after it was formed; before, an active member for the supporter’s club. I was opted onto the committee of the VPC in 1972 and have collected over £170,000 in raffle monies to date. 

I was the founder member of Abbey Action, (CU fundraisers), late 70s, we put on many events at the club, also raising monies through local trade outlets. 

I worked closely with CFU when it was formed, helping where possible in conjunction with running the VPC, when during our blackest days, over the past few years, joined the committee of CFU to get more involved. 

CFU have proved that working with our 2000 plus hardcore fans that things can be changed for the better, also the great support from the people of Cambridgeshire, who do not want this club to die. 

Our future now looks brighter, so we need to keep actively working, making sure we keep the name of CUFC alive for future generations of fans.

Started coming to the Abbey in 1965/66 season when I was 10 years old and brought by my farther.
Over the years, I have seen many ups and downs on the Amber and Black Rollercoaster but so many good times and memories that can't be taken away. The highlight for me is still going top of the old Second Division (now Championship) 

at Portman Road, Ipswich in 1991. I have been on the CFU Trust Board for over 10 years now and have worked at the club on matchdays as a turnstile operator for over twenty years. I have two grown up sons who both follow the U's and a grandson who I hope will become the fourth generation of Browne's to support the club.

I feel very passionately that the fans have a role to play in safeguarding the future of the club and football in general for future generations, so as they too can have good times and memories.

There have been Pearsons turning up at the Abbey to witness Cambridge United's highs, lows, promotions, relegations, crises and celebrations since the late 70s but it was not until relegation from the League that all the family became Season Ticket holders in the Habbin.

 Since retiring from teaching, I (Margaret) helped DMJ in his role as SLO in those far-off days before Twitter and Facebook by contacting opposition SLOs to make sure visiting fans would have relevant information. More recently I assist Frank (CFU Secretary) in taking and distributing minutes of CFU Trust Board meetings, AGMs and even SGMs. 

Together, we have for a number of seasons helped Ian Darler regularly with work around the stadium, cleaning up after home matches, weeding the track and generally helping wherever we are asked even in outrageous temperatures.

My first game was back in 2002 when my company sponsored the match ball in a pre-season friendly against Spurs.  I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, especially as the mighty U’s thrashed Spurs 5-1.  I should add here that I was born near Tottenham, so they were my team growing up…. but still, I was thrilled for United and came away thinking this was the place for me to bring my then 4 year old son who was desperate to go to a live football match.

We started attending regularly during the 2002/2003 season, we found our place sitting in the main stand in front of Mark Johnson and Steve Line which brilliant for us as new supporters, as you could hear the commentary and get familiar with all the players names.  We stayed there for a good few years but now we sit amongst the passionate ones in C Block!

My hope is for United is growth, in terms of better performance on the pitch, bringing in greater number of fans, leading to a better match atmosphere and a new or much improved stadium.  In growing, we must continue to be a community club and keep a good relationship with our fans, and the wider community.  One of the reasons I joined CFU and now the CFU Trust Board is so I can play my part in keeping that relationship between club, fans and community on track.

I have been supporting Cambridge United since 1970. There have been both good and bad times during this period. Winning at Wembley against Chesterfield and almost reaching the Premier League are highs. Playing at Wembley twice and winning twice was in 2013 was great. Seeing the club return to the Football League was a great moment. The lows for me center on the ground and the lost ownership of the Abbey Stadium.

However, as disappointing and avoidable the ground sale was several years ago, it is now time to move on and work with Grosvenor during the coming years to ensure we have a new stadium fit for the future. The sports village project needs to continue to fruition even if we remain at the Abbey. It is about the providing a facility for our children and grandchildren.

Football will need to reduce costs if it is to have a future. Ownership models will change in coming years. Clubs which do not embrace change will struggle.

Supporter and community ownership are seen by many as the last resort and is often used when it is far too late. I believe a trust is about far more just money. In years to come, more and more clubs will embrace the model.

I have many favourite players, moments and experiences supporting Cambridge United. My proudest was when we played Hereford in the first conference match. We had survived a summer of turmoil and set upon a new road.

My favourite view is the tree behind the Habbin Stand on a frosty night or the rain falling in front of the floodlights from Newmarket Road.

What is it is that makes football special? It is the people, the friends you make, the discussions and arguments you have.  Football is special. There is nothing else like it. Being a fan is unique for the highs and lows it provides. 

One Cambridge, One United, One Cambridge United

Being born and bred in Cherry Hinton, the Mighty U’s were a perfect fit.

A lifelong Cambridge United Supporter since 1974, when one of my late father’s work colleagues offered to bring me up the Abbey to see how I got on, and then regularly when his shifts permitted.  I never looked back.
 
I am an ever present and season ticket holder in the NRE, which for me, is the only place to be in the ground.  I attend as many away games as possible, travelling the length and breadth of the country, with a great bunch of fellow members of the travelling Amber Army.
 
My most memorable awayday was spent down the Cavern Club, Liverpool, on Friday 7th December 2018, the eve of our game against Tranmere Rovers, where on the night I recognised and welcomed over fellow members of the Amber Army, and we eventually took over an entire corner of the club, with regular shouts out to the Cambridge boys.
 
In January 2015, I consider myself very fortunate to be asked by the club to be the mighty U’s super fan at the live FA Cup 3rd round-draw on the One Show, a fantastic night when we drew Man United, and I left their super fan, Christopher Eccleston lost for words.
 
I have previously worked on the turnstiles, and in more recent years have walked the CUFC Lottery 50/50 winning numbers around the edge of the pitch at halftime for all to see.
Alas my exercise was ended by technology, as the CUFC Lottery funded 2 new electronic scoreboards, introduced on the Control Box down by the South Stand and on top of the Supporters Club by the NRE.  50/50 winning numbers can be displayed on the scoreboards. 

Please do get involved and set up a direct debit/PayPal payment for the CUFC Lottery, the score boards are merely an example of the benefits it brings to help enhance the experience at the Abbey.

I have been programming and operating the scoreboards since their introduction in the 2020/2021 season, along with creating display banners for fans announcements, birthdays, wedding anniversaries, weddings, stags, 1^st game welcome, ball boys/girls etc, all enhancing the fans experience at the Abbey.
 
Having been involved up the club for a number of years, I know first-hand what fantastic, passionate and dedicated bunch of fellow CFU volunteers and supporters we have at this club, working tirelessly behind the scenes to help make our fantastic club something for us all to enjoy and be proud of.  We all love our club.
 
I believe supporters should have a voice, noting we all have varying opinions and a right to be heard, which has been provided by the club through CFU.  We need to ensure the club we love, survives and flourishes for the benefit of future generations of U’s supporters.
 
I always promote, bring along and introduce new friends and work colleagues to the mighty U’s.
I have experienced many highs and lows following the mighty U’s over the years, and to steal another super U’s phrase, ‘Keep the faith’.  Amber Army, United in Endeavour.

I have been a Cambridge United Supporter since 1980. I was not allowed to go and watch Arsenal at that age who were the club I supported at the time. So I managed to persuade my dad that it would be ok to go to little old Cambridge United who resided in the Old Div 2 under the underrated and much maligned John Docherty.

Living In Letchworth at the time I had a choice of Luton Watford & Cambridge. Luton is not really a desirable place to go and watch football for a 15 year old and Watford was difficult to get to on public transport. Decision made, I could easily hop on a train at Letchworth station and get to the Abbey Stadium within an hour & half all within my paper-round budget

That first game was in Oct 1981 against Watford and I remember every detail of that day. I was so excited about see my first profession football match even if it was in the second Division. What did I remember?, well Big George Reilly , Little Stevie Spriggs, Luther Blisset & John Barnes, The cage in the NRE which I stood behind, “The man in the cloth cap (Mr Pettit?) walking round the pitch shouting “MOORAKER …PROGRAMMES”, that smell of the rub off lottery cards, the mushy peas and mint sauce served from the little hatch at the back of the Supports Clubhouse, the moaning fans 😊 and the stick that John Docherty used to get.

We lost that game 2-1 but I went home that Saturday absolutely smitten by this super club of ours. I got the bug and United have been the backdrop of my life ever since.

That was 39 years ago and I have seen many fantastic games and horrible lows and looking back it amazes me how we all put so much ourselves and our emotions into what is just a small football club from a non-footballing university town. But hey I could have supported Luton or Watford…maybe not.
Recently I had the opportunity to be elected onto the Cambridge United Supporters Panel and then was invited to be Treasurer for CFU. I now realise what fantastic dedicated and talented supporters we have at this club and how if we all pull together, we can really make this club something to be even more proud of and an example to all the other 91 (sorry Bury) clubs of what can be achieved. It is so important that we promote CFU & CUSP to the rest of the supporters and the Club Directors to show everyone that we have guardians looking after the interest of our fantastic football club. We all sometimes have differences in opinions but we all love this club of ours .…United In Endeavour!

I have been a supporter of Cambridge united since my wife, Val, introduced me before we were married and we beat Cardiff 5-0 in the old Division Two. I have been a member of the CFU Trust Board since 2004 and became its Chair in 2014, when Dave Matthew Jones was elected as Fans Director, stepping down at the end of 2020, on health grounds.

My working life of almost 44 years with Cambridge City Council, encompassed many different facets of Environmental Health, most recently as Licensing and Enforcement Manager, where I was involved in chairing the city’s Safety Advisory Group, advising on the Big Weekend, Strawberry Fair and, in 2014, the Tour de France.

The sale of CFU’s shares to Paul Barry was a huge dilemma for me and for many of CFU’s members, as the concept of a sole owner is alien to most people’s thinking, particularly given its failure at other clubs. However, for me it was a case of do it or risk there not being a future for Cambridge United and I am sure that CFU members made the right decision. More recent events and new investments by Paul’s American colleagues have confirmed this, I feel.

The club has survived Covid 19, thanks to huge efforts from some very dedicated people. All parts of our club appear to be working collaboratively together, taking the lead on implementing the recommendations of the Fans Led Review.  Exciting developments, such as the Appointment of a Shadow Board and the introduction of a Golden Share to protect the interests of fans and the club are almost upon us and very much to be welcomed.

CFU is very much part of that future and the Trust Board has new members and an enthusiastic and energetic approach to getting things done. We always need to look forward and introduce fresh blood and ideas, so I would encourage all fans to join CFU and be prepared to take an active role, if you can.

Cambridge United has been a huge part of my life for over 30 years. Italia ‘90 transformed my passing interest in football to a fanatical passion. I lived and breathed United and still have piles of scrapbooks to prove it.

Fast forward 30 years and I’m now watching with my own children, seeing their love for the game and our beloved U’s grow and grow.

It was April 2018 when I first picked up a paintbrush and a pot of amber paint and joined Ian Darler’s volunteer team, preparing the stadium for the new season. The work was paused once Covid hit and I’ve loved being back this summer.

If you attended the 2019 or 2021 Coconuts Hall of Fame events, you will have spoken to me! The team and I have begun planning this year’s event and we look forward to welcoming club legends to the Abbey once again.

In March 2021, I was invited to join the CFU Board, and I happily accepted. I strongly believe that football is for all – and one of my main roles is to look at ways to support our female fans (we now have a growing community of Amber Belles) to make the Abbey a welcoming and safe environment for everyone, and to encourage fans of the future.

In February 2022, I was asked to be Cambridge United’s Ambassador for Her Game Too.

Look out for my programme notes this season for news about our Amber Belles and Her Game Too.

I started regularly attending matches in 1990 and what a time that was to be involved.  It has always been a family affair for us, first attending with my Mum, Dad and Brother and now also with my Boyfriend and Son. 

I’m very happy to say that my little boy has fully embraced the United life and he proudly walked out as mascot at just 4 years old at the end of the 2021/22 season (tears were shed).

CFU kindly asked me to join in January 2022 and I gladly accepted the opportunity.  I am passionate about fan engagement and am very involved in Amber Belles (our female fan network).  I would like to help enhance the matchday experiences and ensure a safe and accepting environment for all of our fans.