Goodbye 2020 and happy New Year.
As 2020 ends, on behalf of all at Cambridge United, I just wanted to wish all of our fans a safe and better 2021.
This year has been tough but, as a club, we have a lot to be proud about. Since March Covid has created so many twists and turns: We have lived through lockdowns, and found out what furlough means. Players have trained at home and came back commendably fit. We have fed and engaged with our community through the hard work of the Trust, with many staff, including players, volunteering to help. The Trust won the League 2 Project of the year award for improving mental health awareness in schools. We have learned about iFollow – and outsold many in our league due to the creativity of our PR team and the strength of your support. Our pitch has remained playable despite significant works having been shelved in the summer – and persistent rain in recent weeks. Our retail sales have been strong despite the shop being closed. We have led the way in UK football in getting fans back into watch games. Our RDC programme was put into hibernation and then woken with skill and creativity. We have been recognised in the National media as a mentally healthy club (and in other areas too) and yes, we have started the season better than any season since we were back in the Football League.
I could go on with many other examples. For me the common theme in all of the success is the people we have at the club. Our staff, players and volunteers have been completely brilliant. They have been resilient and understanding of the need to adapt quickly, no moaning – just getting on with what is in front of them. Our board, and owner (now owners), have also been incredibly supportive.
The other important group of people at the club who have helped hugely, is of course, you, our fans. Those who could bought season tickets in April when you didn’t know when the season would start – or whether it would start at all. If it did there was no guarantee of being able to watch a game. Again in August more bought season tickets. You cooperated by complying with rules to get supporters back into the Abbey. You were understanding when we then moved back behind closed doors and then came back when allowed. In the meantime, you supported us on iFollow which has been, and will continue to be, a real help financially.
We all look forward to the day when we can have a full crowd back. All of the indications are that this will happen at some point in 2021. Until then stay safe and thank you for helping us get through this difficult time.
Whatever 2021 brings we can start the year with confidence. Whatever is thrown at us we will cope with it.
Best wishes to you all.
Ian