Shadow Board Meeting - 14 February 2026
Present
Alex Tunbridge (Club)
Gina Parkin (CFU)
Andrew Stephen (CFU)
Jim Hardingham (Supporters’ Club)
Paul Mayes (Supporters’ Club)
Nigel Pearce (100 Years of Coconuts)
Chris Neild (CUSP)
Nigel Browne (Chair, CUSP)
Anouska Wright (Amber Belles) arrived later.
Apologies
Phillip Saitch (CUFC Lottery)
1. Stadium Redevelopment
The discussion ranged over points made to the Greater Cambridge Development Plan and the implications of Central Government taking over the development.
All the indications are that the council would not welcome attracting bigger crowds to the area of the Abbey Stadium, whereas the Club needs to continue expanding its fanbase as much as possible. The Club has been very successful in presenting a case that its growth can be a significant contributor to the future success of the city.
In addition, the stated intention to develop the East West corridor, build 50,000 new houses and a new railway station called Cambridge East means more prosperity and more people — likely to lead to bigger crowds watching Cambridge United.
Redeveloping the Abbey has not been written off, but we have to face the fact that a move of ground may become essential. Work to improve the stadium and increase its capacity will continue for the moment. It is likely that if the Club did move, the Abbey would be retained, perhaps for training.
The Club will continue to be open and transparent with fans. The Shadow Board and fans’ groups will have a role to play. Lessons were learned from the two campaigns to change the badge.
2. State of the Game
The Independent Regulator will be reaching out to fans. CFU will be attending a meeting of the FSA where the IFR will no doubt be discussed and may even be present.
We will see how the views and interests of fans can be better represented. Given that changes in the way football is being run were brought about by the Fans’ Led Review, it seems strange that more has not been said about the role and rights of fans everywhere.
No doubt the way the game is run is evolving, but vested interests such as TV companies and some Premier League clubs are resistant to the reforms designed to guarantee the future of the game and greater equality.
3. Job Titles and Structure
Job descriptions of all posts are available to the public and comply with new rules. They must do so in order for any club to obtain its licence.
Technically, commercial operations do not fall within the remit of the Shadow Board, but regulation should mean this is not a concern.
The Club Secretary position has disappeared as the role became too big for one person. These responsibilities are now shared. Finance and Safety are now prominent in the Club’s structure and organisation.
The role of the Supporter Engagement Officer is to grow the fanbase, improve and maximise the matchday experience for fans, arrange visits to schools, and oversee matchday packages and mascots.
The SLO is more concerned with comfort and safety in the stadium.
Revenues increased by approximately £1,000,000 last season. The Club has been working hard to achieve this and the staffing in place has supported this growth.
4. Fans Survey Results
The survey provoked 350 responses. More usually take part at the end of a season.
CUSP have been receiving far fewer complaints in surveys and, it was pointed out, when a team is winning, complaints about catering and comfort tend to disappear because people are happier.
New catering outlets and improved signage are about to appear.
5. Season Ticket Pricing
A request was made that season ticket prices could be made available earlier. This seems to be impractical.
6. Priority Tickets
Priority tickets will be in operation for Barnet and Bromley.
A question was asked about whether a booking fee is payable on tickets for cup games played at home and purchased in the Club shop.
7. Shadow Board Constitution and Representation
It was suggested that we are now approaching the time when we might look again at the constitution of the Shadow Board — including the number of meetings, membership numbers, and duration of membership.
It was felt that clubs will need to demonstrate that fan representation is fair, transparent and representative. Questions were raised including:
- How should members be elected - if at all?
- How can accountability be demonstrated?
The Shadow Board plans to make greater use of social media platforms and try harder to tell fans what it is trying to do. Its minutes should be made available quickly and clearly.
This Shadow Board was one of the first to come into existence, but regulation has changed significantly since then. The Shadow Board needs to evolve to reflect this.
There was an opportunity to show what the Shadow Board could do during consultations for the new crest, but this was missed.
It is in the Club’s best interest that the Shadow Board has greater credibility and visibility.
8. Nigel Pearce
Nigel Pearce, creator of the Shadow Board constitution, has decided to step down. He is happy to work with others to modify the constitution.
He has done a fine job.
