Cambridge United Football Club (CUFC) and Cambridge United Supporters Club (CUSC) have set up a joint group to work through different options relating to the potential relocation of the Supporters Club…
This follows a productive meeting and follow up calls between CUFC majority owner Paul Barry and trustees of CUSC.
CEO Alex Tunbridge stated, “We want to make progress with our redevelopment plans for the Abbey Stadium and all recognise that the Supporters Club is integral to that. We now understand the Supporters Club’s position much more clearly following Paul Barry’s recent conversations with the Committee/Trustees, and want to move forward in partnership and in a positive spirit.
“We are of course sensitive to the history of CUSC and the role it has played in the past, as well as mindful of its important wider community role in recent years. This joint group will work through the issues, options and alternatives, which can then hopefully be taken back to the Owners and Board of the Club, and the Trustees of CUSC for agreement.
“As stated, we had planned to issue some initial stadium designs this month, but we all agree it makes sense to wait whilst this important process takes place. We are aiming to reach an outline agreement by the end of October and will update fans after that.”
Supporters Club Chairman Member, Paul Mayes said, “Cambridge United Supporters Club are fully behind the Football Club’s plans for the redevelopment of the stadium and with a project of this scale, there will always be issues that need to be discussed.
“We - the Supporters Club - have had positive and constructive discussions with Paul Barry and his executives, and both parties have agreed to continue further discussions. We are all confident that an agreement can be reached that will be suitable for both parties.”
The Working Group will comprise of Alex Tunbridge, CEO and Godric Smith, Board Director from the Club, together with Richard Arnold as an adviser.
Richard is a lifelong Cambridge United fan, who worked on the London 2012 Olympics and has wide experience of stadium design and builds, including projects at Brentford FC and is currently project managing the training ground project for the Club.
CUSC will be represented by Paul Mayes, Chairman and one other committee member (to be appointed).