Bill had worked in the Lottery Department of the Club for over 30 years and was in semi-retirement when he was diagnosed with cancer in the summer. Bill was the most kind, honest and loyal man you could ever have wished to meet. He was Cambridge United through and through and would promote, support and defend the Club with a passion. Such was his popularity, the office staff would always arrive in earlier than usual when he was at work, enjoying his coffee and his company as he held court in the kitchen. He always had a tale to tell, one of them he recalled was when he and a friend threw weed-killer on Cambridge City's pitch as they walked across it at half-time during a game when the Clubs were intense rivals in the 1960's. Others were of the time when he was evacuated from London to the area during the war and later of his presence when items were removed from Hitler's residence after the war.

I thought the world of him, as did everyone else at the Club, and his presence will be sorely missed. Fortunately for me, when I saw him a couple of weeks ago he was his usual jovial self, enthusing about the Club and even then passionately discussing a lotteries matter and that is how I will remember him.

Our thoughts are now with his wife, Joy, his son Mark and the rest of his family and friends. A special mention must be made of Joy who continued his work whilst at the same time looking after Bill and was a tower of strength for him and an example to us all. There will be a minute's silence before kick-off today as a mark of respect, but the most fitting tribute to Bill would be for his beloved United to gain three points this afternoon.

As you may already be aware and having finally been given a date, the 'Billy' Beall tribunal, scheduled for Friday, 18th December was postponed and now looks likely to be held early in the New Year, although a date has yet to be confirmed.

One date which has been confirmed is that of the Auto Windscreens Shield tie at home to Northampton Town. lan Atkins' men will visit The Abbey on Tuesday, January 5th 1999, kick-off 7,45pm. As the match is a Cup fixture, Season Ticket holders are required to pay although admission prices have been reduced right across the board and once again children under 16 will be admitted for just £1.

Ticket prices are detailed on the News to U's page in today's programme. The game away at Rochdale has now also been re-arranged and that will take place on Tuesday, 23rd February 1999, kick-off 7.45pm. Late news in from Carlisle is that only children under 12 will now be admitted for £1.

All Shareholders should now have received their latest Report and Annual Accounts for the year ended 31st May 1998. The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will take place in The Harris Suite on Monday, 25th January 1999 at 8.00pm.

Finally, I trust you all had an enjoyable Christmas and on behalf of the Club may I take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy and successful New Year.