Cambridge United are delighted to introduce this Saturday’s 12th Fan and therefore leading the U’s out at the Abbey Stadium against Bury F.C, is Matt Earl.
As part of the #UnitedSince1912 campaign, the U's are delighted to introduce the 12th Fan initiative supported by Mick George, which will see a Cambridge United supporter profiled on the Club website and match day programme, occupy the number 12 shirt and lead out the U's at the Abbey Stadium on every match day in 2018/19!
Congratulations Matt! How long have you been supporting Cambridge United? What was it that hooked you to become a supporter of the club?
I’ve supported the U’s since I was around 13 years old in the 1989/90 season. I can’t exactly remember the first game I attended but the first one that stuck in the mind was the 5th round FA Cup 2nd replay against Bristol City in Feb 1990 when we won 5-1 and earnt a quarter final home game against Crystal Palace. The atmosphere was amazing, a full house and an unbelievable night. From that point forward I was United for life!
Who have you attended the games with during the time you have supported the club and who do you attend the games with now
I first started coming to games with my best mate from school and his dad’s mates and then with my Dad, who has always followed the U’s but a lifelong Wolves fan. For the past four seasons I come to every home game with my son (now 7) who is now a true Cambridge United fan. We have five season tickets and my Dad (who is now 83) still comes along sometimes to join us along with my brother, nephew and often my son’s school friends in hope that they too will be converted to lifelong Cambridge fans!
As the 12th Fan, what will it mean to you and how proud will you be to lead out the team out of the tunnel on Saturday?
It will be a special day for us, made even more special by sharing it with my family and especially my son who will be with me leading the team out in his full kit. We are very proud Cambridge United fans and feel very lucky to have this opportunity to be the 12th Fan!
You can read a full interview with Matt in Saturday’s match programme available around the ground for £3.
Tickets for Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two clash with Bury F.C. are available online, in-store and by calling 01223 566 500. Secure before match day to make a saving!