Heroes are inducted in Cambridge United Hall of Fame

Quartet are recognised for their contributions to the U's

A quartet of stars have been inducted into the Cambridge United Hall of Fame at a special dinner at the Cambs Glass Stadium.

100 Years of Coconuts, the heritage arm of Cambridge United supporters’ trust CFU, inducted John Beck, Dion Dublin, Paul Wanless and Ian Darler into the Hall of Fame in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the development and history of the club.

Former players Dublin and Wanless and ex-manager Beck were chosen by United supporters in online and paper votes, while groundsman Darler was selected for induction by a Coconuts/CFU committee.

They have joined former players Russell Crane and Rodney Slack and supporter Lil Harrison in the Hall of Fame, with the trio have been inducted at the Hall of Fame launch ceremony last summer.

“The word ‘legend’ is bandied about too freely in football but it’s an apt description for each of tonight’s four inductees,’ said Coconuts chairman Pat Morgan.

“They all have a special place in the hearts of everyone connected with Cambridge United.

“While we were compiling the shortlists from which supporters could vote for their favourites, we were conscious that last year’s inductees were from a bygone era.

“This year’s crop will be more than familiar to fans young and old.

‘And once again we’re making the point strongly that a football club’s heroes are not just those who do their work on the pitch or in the dugout.

“What also makes a club are the employees, the supporters, the directors, the volunteers.”

Beck was the architect of United’s dramatic rise to the verge of the inaugural Premier League in 1992, and also took his side to two successive FA Cup quarter-finals.

Dublin was a key component of that team, scoring goals by the handful before going on to stardom with Manchester United, Coventry City and other top-flight clubs, and playing four times for England.

Wanless earned fans’ undying affection with eight years of never-say-die commitment to the U’s cause, starring in midfield, in defence and even, on occasion, in goal.

Darler has garnered many awards over the 38 years he has been in charge of the Abbey greensward. He has also performed the roles of stadium manager and match-day safety officer with distinction.