A look ahead to this season's opponents.
With the play-offs finished, the League 2 line-up for the new season is decided. We will be taking a look at each of our rivals over the next few weeks, with Cambridge next on the list.
Who are ya?
Cambridge finished 12th in League Two last season with 64 points.
In Charge
Originally the assistant manager of the U’s, Joe Dunne (pictured) was appointed interim boss back in February when Shaun Derry stepped down. Dunne took charge for the final 15 games of the season, losing just four, and he was subsequently confirmed as head coach on a three-year contract.
The Irish defender made over 250 appearances during his playing career, which included spells at Gillingham, Dover and Colchester, and scored nine goals. He has previous managerial experience in this division with Colchester.
A Dunne deal
After agreeing his permanent role as Head Coach, Dunne expressed his delight at being able to stay with the U’s.
“I have never enjoyed coaching a group as much as I have this one during the last two months,” he said. “I now look forward to continuing to work alongside our talented team of staff in developing the exciting potential of individuals from both within our first team and beyond from the Club’s youth set-up.”
Ins and Outs
Goalkeeper David Gregory, defender James Dunne, striker Ben Williamson as well as Joe Pigott and Conor Newton were all released at the end of the season. Defender Mark Roberts was also placed on the transfer list despite still having one year left on his contract. Defender Leon Legge has also left to sign for Port Vale while negotiations with striker Barry Corr about a new contract are continuing.
Crawley Connections
U's first summer signing Louis John will be a familiar face to Reds fans. The defender was a member of the club's Youth Academy in 2013-14 before moving into non-league football. Last season he was a virtual ever present for Sutton United, who reached the Conference play-off semi-finals having joined the club in 2016. He has signed a two-year deal with Cambridge and is capable of playing at centre-half or right-back.
Past Meetings
Our two fixtures with the U’s didn’t quite go to plan last season with the Reds failing to pick up a single point. Jabo Ibehre's strike settled things at the Checkatrade Stadium in August, with Ibehre also netting in a 3-1 defeat for Harry Kewell’s side at the Abbey Stadium on Good Friday when Josh Payne got our goal from the penalty spot.
Previously, Reds have beaten Cambridge three times, twice in the League and once in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. Our last success over them was under Mark Yates in January 2016 when we won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Matt Harrold. It enabled Reds to complete the double that season, having won 3-0 at the Abbey Stadium the previous August.
