The Cambridge United Hall of Fame has nine new inductees following last night's induction event...
A whole host of Club greats from the past and present joined supporters at the Abbey Stadium to welcome in the latest group of inductees into the 100 Years of Coconuts Hall of Fame.
Dave Stringer, Frank Pettit, Greg Taylor, John Docherty, Martin Butler, Steve Claridge, Brian Greenhalgh, Alan Kimble and Liz Pamplin all joined the decorated Club, taking the overall number of Hall of Famers to 51.
Dave Stringer made 167 appearances for the U's between 1976-1980, playing a crucial role as a senior player and mentor to the likes of Steve Fallon. With Stringer at the back, United won back-to promotions in 1977 and 1978.
There would be no Cambridge United without Frank Pettit. That's the first line of an old Cambridge Evening News story back in the 1940's and nobody could argue differently. Having held the positions of Treasurer, Secretary and Chairman for Abbey United from 1932-1950, Pettit was a true pioneer for the Club.
Former Captain as of last season, Greg Taylor needs little introduction to supporters. Taylor left the Club this Summer after over a decade of service, racking up 373 appearances - the 10th highest in Cambridge United’s history. A multiple promotion winner and FA Trophy winner, Taylor will forever be associated with a golden period of the Club's history.
John Docherty managed the U's between 1978 and 1983, helping lead the Club through the heady heights of its first spell at Division 2. At the helm during some of United's most successful and exciting years, indeed, the Club felt his impact after he left for Millwall, as the U's suffered their first relegation in a decade just one year after departing.
One of the Club's most prolific strikers in its recent history, Martin Butler scored 52 goals in 127 games for United between 1997-2000. Unsuprisingly his stand-out form in front of goal attracted many suitors, and he was snapped up by Reading on the millenium for what was the second biggest fee that the Club had ever received for a player, after fellow Hall of Famer, Dion Dublin.
Cult-hero, Steve Claridge scored 53 goals in 163 games for the U's across two spells between 1990-1994 and has deservedly been inducted into the Hall of Fame after many close calls. His colourful personality and outspoken manner whilst with the Club only helped further endear him to the U's faithful, who saw him move on and end up playing in the Premier League for Leicester City.
Brian Greenhalgh was a giant amongst the great early 70's team of Cambridge United, who scored 48 goals in 133 games in the Amber and Black. With his induction he joins many of his former teammates in the coveted Hall of Fame.
Defensive mainstay of United's legendary early 90's side, Alan Kimble, made 379 appearances between 1986-1993 and helped provide the foundation to much of the U's success during that era. A higher level awaited and Kimble joined Premier League side, Wimbledon, where he enjoyed a similair impact at the Dons.
Finally, Liz Pamplin is and has been the driving force behind Cambridge United Women ever since its inception. She is not only the Club's all-time leading appearance holder, but has held the role of Club Secretary for the past 10+ years and is the team's biggest supporter and advocate.
On behalf of Cambridge United, congratulations to all inductees and very well deserved.
A massive thank you goes to 100 Years of Coconuts for organising and hosting the event.