After 13 seasons, 464 games, two promotions and one FA Trophy winners medal, Harrison Dunk will leave Cambridge United at the conclusion of the season…
Harrison has made an undeniable impact on Cambridge United since his arrival in 2011. Joining from Bromley as a 20-year-old with the Club in the National League, he leaves with United hoping to retain their League One status for a third-straight season and has experienced all the ups-and-downs in-between.
From a young and exciting attacker that would get supporters off their feet with his marauding runs down the wing, to a reliable presence in defence who had a knack of coming up with big moments when the Club needed him most, Harrison is quite rightly lauded as one of the Club’s greatest ever players.
After two midtable finishes for the U’s in his first two seasons for the team, where he was already establishing himself as a fans’ favourite, Harrison and United enjoyed double success in 2013/14 with promotion from the Conference and an FA Trophy victory.
With the Club now in the Football League, Harrison would go from strength-to-strength as he continued to beat the competition to earn his place in the team, season after season. Players to compete for his position would come and go, but Harrison consistently earned his spot and kept his journey going.
His 49 appearances during the 2020/21 League Two promotion winning campaign was only bettered by three other players, and during last season’s Great Escape, his three goals in the final six games – having scored only once within the previous five seasons – played a massive part in the U’s remarkable survival bid.
Above all else, Harrison has been an incredible role model and example to fellow players, the Club’s supporters and the City’s community. His departure will undoubtedly be felt by many, but his place in history will live forever.
Majority Owner, Paul Barry said, “When Harrison - or H as we all call him - signed in 2011 it was a difficult time for the Club in the National League but he quickly became an integral part of that young squad that won at Wembley and got us back into the league.
“I remember a few people saying ‘he'll never make the leap’ to League Two. But he did. And how. He was a regular fixture down our left-hand side with that H blend of silk and steel - his trademark step and surges down the wing alongside his super committed tackling - and he helped us win promotion to League One.
“Again, once we got that promotion it was said that Harrison would never make the leap to League One. Of course he did, effortlessly. And then last season I was told that he should retire due to a knee injury. But he didn't. He came back and scored three goals in the last six games during our Great Escape. When we took the lead against Peterborough, you knew it just had to be H on the scoresheet.
“Personal memories for me are so many but Harrison's spirit was perhaps summed up in the Newcastle FA Cup win when he was knocked down by a thunderous strike to the head in the final minutes, before dusting himself off and getting back up to help seal the victory. Total commitment to the cause as ever.
“Club legend is often an over-used term in football, but not for H. Harrison will forever be one of the true greats of Cambridge United who will be remembered not just for what he did over 13 years here, but also how he did it.
“He helped set the culture. He helped set the standards. He helped make us who we are today as a Club. And he did it all with class, humility and genuine talent and as one of the most decent, respectful and polite individuals you will ever meet.
“I know he is keeping all his options open for the future but whichever path he takes either inside or outside the game we know he will make a big impact and be a force for good.
“Thank you, H. We have been so lucky to have you. We will all miss you and you will always be welcome back at the Club.”
Supporters can view Harrison’s letter to the fans by clicking here. Join us for tomorrow’s game against Wycombe Wanderers, and give Harrison the send-off he deserves, as he takes to the pitch at half-time to bid farewell to the Abbey.
He leaves as the Club’s fifth all-time appearance maker, behind fellow U's greats, Steve Fallon, Harvey Cornwell, Steve Spriggs and Russell Crane.