Cambridge United unveil new shadow board following Tracey Crouch Fan Led Review
Cambridge United has announced the creation of a new shadow board.
The aim of the group, which is expected to host four meetings a year, will be to unify and give a stronger voice to fan groups, strengthen fan engagement and ensure fans can act as a sounding board for the club.
The creation of fan shadow boards was one of the key recommendations of the Tracey Crouch Fan Led Review, in which United were the only EFL club represented on the advisory panel.
The shadow board will compliment rather than replace the existing four fan groups. Two from each will comprise the inaugural membership of eight representatives who will serve for an initial two-year period.
Shadow board members: Andrew Stephen (CFU), Ben Phillips (CFU), Ben Payne (CUSP), Nigel Browne (CUSP), Anouska Wright (Amber Belles), Emma Smith (Amber Belles), Paul Mayes (CUSC), Jim Hardingham (CUSC).
Tracey Crouch MP, chair of the Fan Led Review, said, “It is great to see Cambridge United putting fan engagement at the very heart of their club with the creation of a new shadow board.
“It represents a model for others to follow and will no doubt help strengthen the club as they look to modernise and develop their facilities now they have repurchased the Abbey Stadium. I am particularly pleased they plan to introduce Golden Share protections for fans for the future.”
Kevin Miles, chief executive of the Football Supporters’ Association said: “It is very encouraging to see the way Cambridge United is capturing the spirit of the Fan Led Review and moving quickly to put fan engagement right at the heart of the Club’s future. We would strongly encourage other clubs at every level of the game to follow their leadership.”
Shaun Grady, chairman of the board, said: “This is an important step in the next stage of the club’s development. It is often said – because it is true – without fans football is nothing and everyone at CUFC knows how fortunate we are to have such brilliant supporters who have been there through thick and thin.
"As we look ahead to new opportunities as a club we believe the shadow board can further strengthen us. For example, we want to modernise and make the Abbey, as Paul has said, ‘our forever home’ – an area where the shadow board will have a vital role to play in helping shape future plans and where they can act as a fans’ voice in the process. At the same time, we will need to work together over the coming year to put in place the right Golden Share protections for the future.
“The shadow board comes about after a lot of hard work over the summer and on behalf of the club I would like to thank the different fan groups for the very positive and constructive way they have participated, working together with Dave Matthew-Jones and Godric Smith from the club.
“It has been a genuine partnership ‘United in Endeavour’ and we are all confident we can take that spirit into the future together. Particular thanks go to Nigel Pearce for all his help with the drafting of the constitution and we all look forward to the first meeting next week.”
