Cambridge United vs Norwich City tonight!
Cambridge United are set to make their return to the Abbey Stadium this evening against Premier League outfit Norwich City, in a unique 120 minute pre-season fixture (KO 7.30pm).
Played across four 30 minutes quarters, Richard Money’s side will put their early pre-season work to the test against the Canaries with both sides on course to field their full first team squads.
Following an eventful first season back in the Football League for the U’s during the 2014/15 campaign, a busy summer’s business in which ten new players have arrived in the city including the most recent signing Conor Newton, ensure United are set for an exciting year in Sky Bet League Two.
Meanwhile, the visitors will arrive at the Abbey Stadium as they prepare for a challenge on the Premier League, having triumphed at Wembley in the Championship play-off final two months ago.
Looking ahead to the game, United Manager Richard Money commented: “Living my youth in Lowestoft meant I spent many Saturday afternoons at Carrow Road, most of my family are season tickets holders there and I almost transferred there from Liverpool when Ken Brown was the manager at the height of my playing career.
“It is a club that means a lot to all my family so I must tell Alex Neil he has made a lot of people who are very important to me very happy.
He added: “Norwich will provide attractive opposition for our supporters and stiff opposition for our players. We are looking forward to all three pre-season games immensely and I personally thank all three clubs and managers for bringing their first team squads to Abbey this pre-season.”
Meanwhile speaking to Canaries.co.uk, Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy reminisces about his time with the U’s where he made his professional debut over ten years ago.
He said: “"They took a gamble on a 14-year-old who'd never really played in goal and helped me develop into a Premier League goalkeeper. I only spent one season playing in the first team but had my educational development around the stadium.
"We used to go there to get changed before training, and I'll be forever grateful for the opportunity the club gave me. It's a place that will always hold a special place in my heart.
"When I saw the pre-season fixtures it was one I was immediately looking forward to. I went down to watch them a couple of times last year and they had a really good season, so it will be a good test for us."
Tickets for the fixture are still available at the following link, whilst those hoping to walk up on the night will only be able to purchase tickets at the ticket office and not on the gate.
As a welcome back gesture from the club, the Amber Army will receive a free edition of the new match day programme upon arrival. To read a sneak preview with Barry Corr please click here.