Well, what a season that was - one in which we have been proud to watch our progress as a Club, both on and off the pitch, from over here in the States. A few thank yous from us both...
First and foremost, to you - the fans. The support this season has been outstanding, from record attendances to record merchandise sales. To have around 2,500 there at Crewe for the scenes at the end of the game was special. They are now written into our Club’s history.
Sometimes you have to take a step back to go forward, and that is without doubt what we have done over the last 18 months.
This time last year, we talked about all feeling the sting of relegation. It hurt. It was deserved, and we knew we had made mistakes. That is why it was so important to bring back Mark Bonner and Neil Harris after our football review - to prepare for what we knew would most likely be a League Two campaign, and to help build a winning culture on and off the pitch, alongside introducing a more long-term strategic approach to our football planning.
We didn’t set targets at the start of the season. Our ambition was simply ‘to be competitive’, as we all know how hard it is to bounce straight back after relegation. But they have both excelled and done a remarkable job, alongside Adam, Barry and all the staff, in building, coaching and leading this team. Promotion takes a whole squad of talented players, and everyone has played their part.
The Cledara Abbey turned into a real fortress for us, and we ended the season with the best defensive record in the EFL - conceding only 18 goals in 32 league games since the end of October - while also playing some great attacking football. We will inevitably say goodbye to some players this summer, but they will always be very welcome back at the Club - now as promotion winners.
We have also taken big steps forward off the pitch. Alex has led the team brilliantly, and they have done a first-class job. The new identity has played a big role in helping move the Club forward, with the matchday experience improving season by season - and there will be further investment in the ground over the summer. Our thanks go to all the staff, volunteers and commercial partners.
We have also taken the Club right into the heart of the city, with more and more people recognising that we are not only one of the biggest civic institutions in Cambridge, but also bring something very unique - on matchdays and through the vital community work of the Foundation, which continues to go from strength to strength. We are also excited about our women’s team playing in Cambridge for the first time next season at the University Ground on Grange Road.
Our thanks also to the Board for their time and wise counsel. There is now a very clear Club strategy, and they help ensure we are as aligned as possible from top to bottom.
Dion is stepping down from the Board, as we all recognise his other commitments are considerable, and will become our first Honorary Director. This is fantastic news, as he is a great asset for us - as well as being a Club legend - and this will ensure he can continue to play an active part in our future.
Finally, these are exciting times for Cambridge as a city, and we are right at the heart of the conversation as these plans begin to take shape - now once again as a League One club.
We know from experience it’s a tough league. We know it won’t be easy. But we also know we are returning much stronger as a Club than when we were last promoted five years ago.
Enjoy your summer, and thank you again for all your support.
Paul Barry and Mark Green
