The anticipated 2024/25 Sky Bet League One season gets underway at Edgeley Park this weekend as Cambridge United make the trip up north to take on newcomers Stockport County…
Embarking on their fourth consecutive season in the third tier for the first time in their history, the U’s will be determined to kick on and consolidate following successive final day safety pursuits, whereas the hosts - back in the third tier for the first time since 2010 after racing to the title - are high on confidence and eager to continue their climb.
How to Watch
Saturday afternoon’s encounter in Manchester kicks off at the later time of 5:30pm, with approximately 750 U’s fans poised to be backing their side from the away end.
Those who wish to join them can buy their tickets online at cufctickets.com or over the phone by calling 01223 566500 (option 1) - three away credits will be issued upon purchasing. Please note, this is an all-ticket fixture, with sales ending at 12pm on Friday.
Fans in the UK who can't make it to the game can watch live on Sky Sports+, following the recent launch of the new five-year domestic broadcast deal between the EFL and Sky Sports. Click here for more information.
Overseas supporters can stream live on CUFC TV - click here to buy your Match Pass now.
Opposition Focus
Riding the crest of a wave, Stockport have no ambitions of simply just surviving in League One, but instead thriving and laying foundations as they look to continue their upward trajectory. Able to compete on and off the field and backed by a passionate fanbase, it’s an opening day fixture to relish.
Under the tutelage of beloved manager Dave Challinor, the Hatters have enjoyed two title-winning seasons from the past three and have well and truly put behind them the testing days in the sixth tier of England that haunted them as recently as 2019. When you’re confident, you’re dangerous, and Stockport have every right to believe a foray into the top half awaits them. How far exactly they can go remains to be seen, but thanks to a squad heaving with exuberance and potential to grow, they’ll fear nobody.
Incredibly confident sweeper keeper Corey Addai loves playing out from the back and deserves his move up a level after an entertaining spell at Crawley Town, with the likes of the imperious Fraser Horsfall, Callum Connolly, Sam Hughes and Ethan Pye all solid options at the heart of defence. Creative sparks Kyle Knoyle and Ibou Touray are expected to don the flanks after proving too strong for League Two.
Blessed in midfield, Nick Powell, Callum Camps and Will Collar have the experience to dictate a game, whereas youngsters Lewis Bate, former Colchester United man Jayden Fevrier, Lewis Fiorini and returning Aston Villa loanee Louie Barry – unplayable on his day – are only improving by the match.
The goals will need to come from Kyle Wootton, runner Isaac Olaofe – who bagged 21 from 48 last time out – and Michael Mellon, who at just 20 starred for Morecambe in 2023/24. With more activity still on the horizon, an exciting group are ready to come out of the blocks firing.
Pre-Season Form
- 07/07/2024 – Stockport County 1-1 Lincoln City
- 15/07/2024 – Altrincham 2-4 Stockport County
- 18/07/2024 – Chester 2-3 Stockport County
- 22/07/2024 – Stockport County 0-4 Huddersfield Town
- 28/07/2024 – Stockport County 0-1 Blackburn Rovers
- 29/07/2024 – Stockport County 2-0 Preston North End
The Amber Angle
14th with 58 points, 20th with 46 points and 18th with 48 points is the ranking from United’s three previous campaigns – the task now is to squeeze out even more and begin what feels like a new, refreshed era by steering clear of any late-season danger and looking towards the future. Ever since former top-flight gaffer Garry Monk arrived through the doors in March, many have got the sense that something is brewing.
Hinting at a change in setup ever since the first day, which has seen the U’s revert to a compact three-at-the-back system, it’s been a busy summer selecting those to fit the mantra and take on board what he hopes will be an ever-evolving process that includes an entertaining style that will get fans off their seats.
On board with the tight-knit squad so far is highly-regarded Norwich City loanee Vicente Reyes, the returning and incredibly no-nonsense James Gibbons and progressive centre-back Kell Watts. Gary Gardner certainly has the pedigree to dictate a game in the middle of the park, as does promotion winner Korey Smith, who offers all the right components to help keep the side watertight.
In the final third, Taylor Richards has the potential to trouble any defence with his turn of pace, agility and skill, with Ryan Loft one whose desire is never questioned and can link up well with the respected Shayne Lavery, who similarly sniffs out chances and has already showcased a clinical edge.
The overall aim is to create a more robust, press-hungry and consistent Cambridge United side. 46 tough battles against some excellent footballing sides await, but it’s one they’ll relish as they strive to remain part of the League One furniture.
Pre-Season Form
- 17/07/2024 – Maritimo 2-0 Cambridge United
- 20/07/2024 – Bromley 2-2 Cambridge United
- 20/07/2024 – Bromley 2-0 Cambridge United (match two)
- 26/07/2024 – Braintree Town 0-3 Cambridge United
- 27/07/2024 – Ebbsfleet United 1-3 Cambridge United
- 02/08/2024 – Cambridge United 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
- 03/08/2024 – Colchester United 6-0 Cambridge United
Quick Quotes
Monk on getting the show started: “The main overriding factor is wanting to get back out there. Pre-season is great, games are good for preparation, but in terms of the real thing chasing the atmosphere and playing for three points each and every week is the thing that gets you out of bed in the morning and brings our fans to the stadiums.”
Monk on mentality: “All the games will be (tough), not just this game (Stockport). It’s a learning process for us, for the players especially and for our fanbase – understanding that we’re going to have difficult moments, but we’re going to have some really fantastic moments as well. What we’re fighting for is the consistency on the good moments… I can’t be any more pleased with the application and attitude of the players.”
Monk on transfer business: “The cub have done great, really diligent and trying to squeeze everything we can out of what we can do. We’ve got conversations going on now, and hopefully we can get those conversations across the line like we’ve been doing all summer.”
Team News
The Head Coach gave an extensive update on Saturday’s team selection, confirming that Paul Digby is available after returning to training, whilst Ryan Loft (ankle), Jordan Cousins (hamstring) and Gary Gardner should be available in roughly two to four weeks.
Head-to-Head
Stockport County Wins: 11
Cambridge United Wins: 11
Draws: 8
Last Time We Met
Saturday 5 January 2013 – Cambridge United 4-1 Stockport County – Conference Premier
It’s been some trajectory for both outfits since our last meeting, which occurred 11 years ago in CB5 when United – managed by Richard Money – steamrolled to an impressive victory in front of 2,305 thanks to a brace from Liam Hughes and further finishes from Josh Coulson and Tom Elliott. The hosts that day concluded the campaign in 14th, whilst Stockport were relegated to the Conference North, where they would stay for six seasons.
Boot in Both Camps
Since making his professional debut with United in 2004, local lad John Ruddy has enjoyed a glistening career, which included a brief spell on loan with the Hatters a couple of years later following his eye-catching move to Everton. Still going strong at 37, the goalkeeper departed Birmingham City at the end of last season, turning down a new contract to pen a one-year deal with giants Newcastle United in July.
Officials
Referee: Sebastian Stockbridge
Assistant Referee: Paul Newhouse
Assistant Referee: Thomas Cooke
Fourth Official: Stuart Morland
