This Saturday is the first in a run of three consecutive weekends when we will be at home, with the third being a mouth-watering encounter with Leyton Orient. At this time, the situation regarding Billy Beall has still not been resolved, and much discussion over the issue has been going on, not least of which on U's Net, Andrea Thrussell's website. Indeed, Director Gary Harwood joined in the debate this week. I think that most United fans, whilst feeling sad that Billy's career seems to have hit a logjam, are of the opinion that United have acted responsibly in this matter. No one wants to see a young footballer's career "on hold" but we feel very strongly that we have done all we can to be fair. After all, we have made the player three offers, all of which were turned down, as was an offer to return to the club. We can do little more, and I was delighted that Gary added his voice to the debate. This again demonstrates the open-ness of Cambridge United. Incidentally, I have been asked about our relationship with Andrea and U's Net. Quite simply, there is no better place on the Internet to find out about Cambridge United.

The Club could have embarked on an expensive exercise of setting up its own website, but I have likened that to setting up a new company making corn-flakes, when Kellogg's already have a brand leader. We are delighted to help wherever we can with U's Net, but it does remain in Andrea's ownership. Wherever we can, news from the Abbey will be released first to U's Net and the ClubCall Abbey Update service. That is not to say we will neglect our duties to all areas of the media, but whilst other media outlets cover Cambridge United alongside many other topics, U's Net and ClubCall are primarily for Cambridge United fans, and it is only right that they should get the news first.

Finally, I think that it is a sign of the progress that we have made as a Club that we were able to persuade Martin Butler to sign a new contract. I think I read somewhere that it doesn't mean that he'll be staying forever, but it does ensure that he isn't a "Bosman" next summer, and I've no doubt that Roy will be working hard to ensure he hangs onto the key players he wants throughout the season. Martin has had a flying start to the season, and if he carries on the way he has started, he'll have one eye on the Club's goalscoring record for a season before long.