The Cambridge United Supporters Association issued the following statement after Cambridge City Council finally approved the planning application from Cambridge United FC to re-develop its Abbey Stadium ground today:

"This is a great step forward for Cambridge United FC," commented Secretary Nigel Pearce. "As everyone now appreciates, without a re-developed ground the Club would struggle to survive, let alone prosper. Although there is a long way to go yet, and a lot of hard work, Cambridge United supporters can at last look forward to the stadium we, and the team, deserve.

"The City Council understands that the Club, the City and the local community all stand to benefit from the new, modern facilities. Cambridge is the high tech capital of the UK and should not be home to a third rate professional football stadium.

"The CUSA appreciate the effort of the Board and staff of CUFC in finally making progress on this issue, and we will continue to support them in the work that lies ahead. The CUSA and all CUFC fans must now have faith in the Club's re-development business plan to achieve that without jeopardising our chances of success on the field in the meantime. We all hope the team can survive this season in Division Two, then, with a re-developed ground, the new millennium will start to look very bright for CUFC."

Have your say: Abbey Stadium Redevelopment Message Board