Cambridge United F.C. season 2008–09
Encyclopedia
The 2008–09 season was the 97th season in the history of Cambridge United F.C.
, and the club's fourth consecutive season in the Conference National
. After finishing as runners-up and losing in the play-off final during the 2007–08 season, the club were optimistic of a return to the Football League either as champions or through the play-offs.
The club appointed little-known manager Gary Brabin to guide them through the season, who joined from Southport
with relatively little managerial experience. He replaced the successful Jimmy Quinn who parted company with the club by mutual consent after lengthy talks with chairman Phillip Law.
The club enjoyed a successful season, although they were not close to catching eventual champions Burton Albion
for much of the season. However, in the final months some excellent form, together with the departure of Burton's manager Nigel Clough
, saw the gap close and Cambridge could have won the title and promotion on the final day of the season had they beaten rather than drawn at home to Altrincham
. As it was they finished runners-up for the second successive season and despite a memorable play-off campaign, which included beating Stevenage Borough
3-0 after extra time in the second leg at the Abbey Stadium
to overturn a first-leg deficit, Cambridge lost the play-off final to Exeter City
to a Robert Edwards header. Brabin went on to be named Conference National
Manager of the Year for his achievements in his first full season of management.
as Abbey United, named after the Abbey district of Cambridge
. For many years they played amateur football until their election to the Football League in 1970. The early 1990s was Cambridge's most successful period; managed by John Beck
the club won the first ever play-off final at Wembley Stadium and gained promotion from the Fourth Division
before reaching two successive FA Cup
quarter finals in 1990 and 1991 and winning the Third Division
in 1991. The club reached the play-offs in 1992 but failed in their bid to become founder members of the Premier League. This was the club's highest final league placing to date and since then it has been in almost constant decline.
The following season the club sacked Beck and were relegated from the First Division
. Further relegation followed two seasons later. United returned to Division Two
but were relegated in 2002. In 2005, after 35 years in the Football League, Cambridge United were relegated into the Football Conference
. This brought with it financial difficulties and the club filed for administration
, coming out of it three months later after the intervention of sports minister Richard Caborn
, but not before selling their Abbey Stadium home to keep the club afloat and closing the youth system.
The club's first season in the Conference National
was one of stabilisation, followed by a close shave with relegation. Under the stewardship of Jimmy Quinn, the club recovered in the previous season to finish in the play-off final. However, after despite losing the 1-0 to Exeter City
, the club were hoping to build on this relative success under the new management of Gary Brabin
following Quinn's departure.
for the second season. The same kit was used as in the previous season, with a white and black away shirt, and amber and black striped home shirt. As for previous seasons, the kit had two different sponsors - local company Global Self Drive at home and Kershaw away.
A special edition play-off final shirt was also released and worn for that match. Produced by Vandanel, the shirt was all amber with limited black trim and sponsored by Kershaw.
, FA Cup
and FA Trophy
. Where total goals are equal, the list is sorted in favour of league goals, and then alphabetical order.
FA Cup
Cambridge United F.C.
Cambridge United Football Club is a professional football club from Cambridge, England. They are currently playing the 2011-2012 season in the Conference National, the fifth tier of the English league system, where they have competed since 2005 following their relegation from the Football League...
, and the club's fourth consecutive season in the Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
. After finishing as runners-up and losing in the play-off final during the 2007–08 season, the club were optimistic of a return to the Football League either as champions or through the play-offs.
The club appointed little-known manager Gary Brabin to guide them through the season, who joined from Southport
Southport F.C.
Southport Football Club are an English football club, based in Southport, Merseyside. They are currently in the Conference National, and play their home matches at Haig Avenue, which has a capacity of 6,008...
with relatively little managerial experience. He replaced the successful Jimmy Quinn who parted company with the club by mutual consent after lengthy talks with chairman Phillip Law.
The club enjoyed a successful season, although they were not close to catching eventual champions Burton Albion
Burton Albion F.C.
Burton Albion Football Club are a professional English football club based in the town of Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. The club's home ground is the Pirelli Stadium, having moved from Eton Park in 2005...
for much of the season. However, in the final months some excellent form, together with the departure of Burton's manager Nigel Clough
Nigel Clough
Nigel Howard Clough is an English former footballer and the current manager of Derby County. Playing predominately as a striker, but later in his career was used as a midfielder, Clough was capped by England 14 times in the early 1990s....
, saw the gap close and Cambridge could have won the title and promotion on the final day of the season had they beaten rather than drawn at home to Altrincham
Altrincham F.C.
Altrincham Football Club is an English association football club from Altrincham, Greater Manchester. They currently play in the Conference North, having been relegated from the Conference National at the end of the 2010–11 season.-History:...
. As it was they finished runners-up for the second successive season and despite a memorable play-off campaign, which included beating Stevenage Borough
Stevenage Borough F.C.
Stevenage Football Club is an English football club based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The club currently participate in League One, the third tier of English football, having won promotion from League Two in the 2010–11 season...
3-0 after extra time in the second leg at the Abbey Stadium
Abbey Stadium
The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators...
to overturn a first-leg deficit, Cambridge lost the play-off final to Exeter City
Exeter City F.C.
Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003...
to a Robert Edwards header. Brabin went on to be named Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
Manager of the Year for his achievements in his first full season of management.
Background
Cambridge United were founded in 19121912 in football (soccer)
The following are the football events of the year 1912 throughout the world.-Events:For goalkeepers handling the ball is being restricted to their boxes; previously it was their own half, where goalkeepers were permitted to handle the ball....
as Abbey United, named after the Abbey district of Cambridge
Cambridge
The city of Cambridge is a university town and the administrative centre of the county of Cambridgeshire, England. It lies in East Anglia about north of London. Cambridge is at the heart of the high-technology centre known as Silicon Fen – a play on Silicon Valley and the fens surrounding the...
. For many years they played amateur football until their election to the Football League in 1970. The early 1990s was Cambridge's most successful period; managed by John Beck
John Beck (footballer)
John Alexander Beck is an English former footballer and manager. As a player he made nearly 500 league appearances between 1972 and 1988....
the club won the first ever play-off final at Wembley Stadium and gained promotion from the Fourth Division
Football League Fourth Division
The Fourth Division of The Football League was the fourth-highest division in the English football league system from the 1958–59 season until the creation of the Premier League prior to the 1992–93 season...
before reaching two successive FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
quarter finals in 1990 and 1991 and winning the Third Division
Football League Third Division
The Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
in 1991. The club reached the play-offs in 1992 but failed in their bid to become founder members of the Premier League. This was the club's highest final league placing to date and since then it has been in almost constant decline.
The following season the club sacked Beck and were relegated from the First Division
Football League First Division
The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
. Further relegation followed two seasons later. United returned to Division Two
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
but were relegated in 2002. In 2005, after 35 years in the Football League, Cambridge United were relegated into the Football Conference
Football Conference
The Football Conference is a football league in England which consists of three divisions called Conference National, Conference North, and Conference South. Some Football Conference clubs are fully professional, such as Luton Town, but most of them are semi-professional...
. This brought with it financial difficulties and the club filed for administration
Administration (insolvency)
As a legal concept, administration is a procedure under the insolvency laws of a number of common law jurisdictions. It functions as a rescue mechanism for insolvent entities and allows them to carry on running their business. The process – an alternative to liquidation – is often known as going...
, coming out of it three months later after the intervention of sports minister Richard Caborn
Richard Caborn
Richard George Caborn PC is a British Labour Party politician, who was the Member of Parliament for Sheffield Central from 1983 to 2010...
, but not before selling their Abbey Stadium home to keep the club afloat and closing the youth system.
The club's first season in the Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
was one of stabilisation, followed by a close shave with relegation. Under the stewardship of Jimmy Quinn, the club recovered in the previous season to finish in the play-off final. However, after despite losing the 1-0 to Exeter City
Exeter City F.C.
Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003...
, the club were hoping to build on this relative success under the new management of Gary Brabin
Gary Brabin
Gary Brabin is an English former footballer and manager, currently manager at Conference National club Luton Town.-Playing career:...
following Quinn's departure.
Team kit
The team kit for the season was produced by VandanelVandanel Sports Limited
Vandanel Sports Limited are a British-based sports apparel company.Vandanel was a family business that was formed in 1984, with Graham Burke who headed the company with his son Neil...
for the second season. The same kit was used as in the previous season, with a white and black away shirt, and amber and black striped home shirt. As for previous seasons, the kit had two different sponsors - local company Global Self Drive at home and Kershaw away.
A special edition play-off final shirt was also released and worn for that match. Produced by Vandanel, the shirt was all amber with limited black trim and sponsored by Kershaw.
First team squad
This table shows the squad as it stood at the end of the season.Top scorers
Includes matched in the Conference NationalConference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
, FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
and FA Trophy
FA Trophy
The Football Association Challenge Trophy, commonly known as the FA Trophy, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football Association and competed for primarily by semi-professional teams...
. Where total goals are equal, the list is sorted in favour of league goals, and then alphabetical order.
| Position | Nation | Name | Conference National | FA Cup | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Scott Rendell Scott Rendell Scott David Rendell is an English footballer who plays for Wycombe Wanderers. His position is striker.-Career:Rendell was born in Ashford, Surrey but lived in Basingstoke, Hampshire, and he started his career with Staines Albion where he played until the age of 16. After Staines, Scott was signed... |
13 | 2 | 15 |
| 2 | |
Lee McEvilly Lee McEvilly Lee Richard McEvilly is an English footballer who was last attached to Northern Premier League club Chorley. He has represented the Northern Ireland national team once, as well as playing for Northern Ireland at under-21 and under-23 levels... |
8 | 3 | 11 |
| 3 | |
Chris Holroyd Chris Holroyd Christopher "Chris" Holroyd is an English professional football player who currently plays for League Two side Rotherham United.... |
10 | 0 | 10 |
| 4 | |
Robbie Willmott | 6 | 2 | 8 |
| 5 | |
Mark Beesley Mark Beesley Mark Anthony Beesley is an English footballer who is currently with Burscough.-Career:Born in Burscough, Lancashire, Beesley began his career at the youth system of Preston North End before signing a professional contract in June 1999. He subsequently spent three and a half seasons at Chester City... |
4 | 0 | 4 |
| = | |
Danny Crow Danny Crow Daniel Stephen "Danny" Crow is a footballer currently playing for Luton Town. He has previously played for Cambridge United, Norwich City, Northampton Town and Peterborough United.-Career:... |
2 | 2 | 4 |
| = | |
Wayne Hatswell Wayne Hatswell Wayne Mervin Hatswell is an English professional footballer, currently player-coach at .-Career:Hatswell began his career with Swindon Supermarine and also played for Witney Town before joining Forest Green Rovers in 1999. During his first season at Forest Green, he made 34 league appearances, and... |
4 | 0 | 4 |
| 8 | |
Jon Challinor | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| = | |
Felino Jardim Felino Jardim Felino Jardim is a Dutch professional footballer midfielder who plays for Conference National club .-Career:He has previously played for Feyenoord, RKC Waalwijk and Sparta Rotterdam, as well as being capped at under-17 and under-19 level for the Netherlands... |
2 | 0 | 2 |
| = | |
Courtney Pitt Courtney Pitt Courtney Leon Pitt is an English footballer who plays for AFC Telford United as a midfielder. He previously played for Portsmouth, Luton Town, Coventry City, Oxford United, Boston United, Cambridge United, York City and Weymouth.... |
2 | 0 | 2 |
| 11 | |
Phil Bolland Phil Bolland Philip Christopher "Phil" Bolland is an English professional footballer, currently playing for Barrow AFC in the Conference National.... |
1 | 0 | 1 |
| = | |
Dan Brown Dan Brown Dan Brown is an American author of thriller fiction, best known for the 2003 bestselling novel, The Da Vinci Code. Brown's novels, which are treasure hunts set in a 24-hour time period, feature the recurring themes of cryptography, keys, symbols, codes, and conspiracy theories... |
1 | 0 | 1 |
| = | |
Paul Carden Paul Carden Paul Andrew Carden is an English footballer who plays in midfield as a player/coach for Luton Town. While at Cambridge United, Carden was the club's assistant manager. He has previously played for Blackpool, Rochdale, Chester City, Doncaster Rovers, Peterborough United, Accrington Stanley, Burton... |
1 | 0 | 1 |
| = | |
Mark Convery Mark Convery Mark Peter Convery is an English footballer who plays for Bedlington Terriers as a midfielder.-Career:Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, Convery started his career with Sunderland in 1999 and he joined Hvidovre IF of the Danish First Division on loan for four months in July 2000... |
1 | 0 | 1 |
| = | |
Ben Farrell | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| = | |
Andy Parkinson Andy Parkinson Andrew John "Andy" Parkinson is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward, attacking midfielder and a winger and is signed to Aberystwyth Town in the Welsh Premier League.... |
1 | 0 | 1 |
| = | |
Lee Phillips | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| TOTALS | 60 | 9 | 69 |
Match results
| Match won | Match drawn | Match lost | Biggest win | Biggest loss | Top | Play-Off Position |
Pre-season
| Friendlies Exhibition game An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition... |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kick Off | Opponents | H / A | Result | Scorers | Attendance |
| 12 July 2008 | King's Lynn King's Lynn F.C. King's Lynn F.C. was an English football club based in King's Lynn, Norfolk. Established in 1879, they were wound up at the High Court on 25 November 2009 with debts of £77,000 and went out of business in December after a failed appeal... |
A | 2 – 3 | Beesley, Reed | unknown |
| 15 July 2008 | Cambridge City Cambridge City F.C. Cambridge City Football Club is an English football club currently playing in the Southern League Premier Division.-History:The club was founded in 1908 Cambridge Town F.C., as Cambridge had not been granted city status at that point, and were committed to amateur sport... |
A City Ground, Cambridge The City Ground is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It is the home of Southern League Premier Division club Cambridge City F.C.-History:... |
1 – 1 | Beesley | 910 |
| 19 July 2008 | Everton Everton F.C. Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
4 – 2 | Parkinson (2), Willmott, Beesley | 4,495 |
| 23 July 2008 | Soham Town Rangers Soham Town Rangers F.C. Soham Town Rangers F.C. is an English football club based in Soham, Cambridgeshire. The club are currently members of Division One North of the Isthmian League and play at Julius Martin Lane.-History:... |
A | 4 – 2 | Willmott (2), Jardim (2) | 569 |
| 26 July 2008 | Coventry City Coventry City F.C. Coventry City Football Club, otherwise known as the Sky Blues owing to the traditional colour of their strip, are a professional English Football league club based in Coventry... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
1 – 3 | Farrell | 1,751 |
| 28 July 2008 | Bedford Town Bedford Town F.C. Bedford Town F.C. is an English football club based in the Borough of Bedford. The club are currently members of the Southern League Premier Division and play at The New Eyrie in Cardington, a parish on the outskirts of Bedford.... |
A | 1 – 2 | Ives | 304 |
| 30 July 2008 | West Ham United West Ham United F.C. West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
0 – 0 | – | 2,491 |
| 1 August 2008 | Braintree Town Braintree Town F.C. Braintree Town F.C. is an English football club based in Braintree, Essex. The club are currently members of the Conference National and play their home matches at Cressing Road.-History:... |
A Cressing Road Cressing Road, also known as the Amlin Stadium for sponsorship purposes, is a football stadium in Braintree, Essex and the home ground of Braintree Town. It currently has a capacity of 4,151.-History:... |
Cancelled | – | – |
League
| Kick Off | Opponents | H / A | Result | Scorers | Attendance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 August 2008 | Northwich Victoria Northwich Victoria F.C. Northwich Victoria Football Club are an English football club who play at the Victoria Stadium in Wincham, Northwich, Cheshire in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the seventh tier of the English football league system.Northwich are an old club, founded in 1874 and named in honour of... |
A | 1 – 0 | Jardim Felino Jardim Felino Jardim is a Dutch professional footballer midfielder who plays for Conference National club .-Career:He has previously played for Feyenoord, RKC Waalwijk and Sparta Rotterdam, as well as being capped at under-17 and under-19 level for the Netherlands... 28' |
1,445 | 6th |
| 12 August 2008 | Kidderminster Harriers Kidderminster Harriers F.C. Kidderminster Harriers F.C. are an English football club based in Kidderminster, Worcestershire formed in 1886 They currently play in the Conference National and have played at Aggborough Stadium since they were formed... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
2 – 1 | McEvilly Lee McEvilly Lee Richard McEvilly is an English footballer who was last attached to Northern Premier League club Chorley. He has represented the Northern Ireland national team once, as well as playing for Northern Ireland at under-21 and under-23 levels... 27', 61' |
3,008 | 4th |
| 16 August 2008 | Barrow Barrow A.F.C. Barrow A.F.C. are an English football club founded in 1901 based in the town of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria. Following promotion at the end of the 2007–08 season, they currently play in the Conference National. The club spent over fifty years in the Football League between 1921 and 1972, and have... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
2 – 1 | McEvilly 28', Hatswell Wayne Hatswell Wayne Mervin Hatswell is an English professional footballer, currently player-coach at .-Career:Hatswell began his career with Swindon Supermarine and also played for Witney Town before joining Forest Green Rovers in 1999. During his first season at Forest Green, he made 34 league appearances, and... 40' |
2,663 | 1st |
| 23 August 2008 | Eastbourne Borough Eastbourne Borough F.C. Eastbourne Borough are a semi-professional English football club, based in the town of Eastbourne, East Sussex, and are members of the Conference South. They are known as The Sports after their previous name as Langney Sports. Eastbourne Borough play their home matches at Priory Lane in Langney... |
A | 3 – 0 | McEvilly 21', Farrell 40', Holroyd Chris Holroyd Christopher "Chris" Holroyd is an English professional football player who currently plays for League Two side Rotherham United.... 84' |
2,105 | 1st |
| 25 August 2008 | Kettering Town Kettering Town F.C. Kettering Town Football Club are a football club originating in Kettering, Northamptonshire but currently based in the nearby village of Irthlingborough. The club play in the Conference National after winning the Conference North in 2007–08... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
0 – 2 | – | 3,489 | 2nd |
| 30 August 2008 | Weymouth Weymouth F.C. Weymouth F.C. are an English football club based in the town of Weymouth, who currently play in the Southern League Premier Division.-History:Weymouth Football Club were founded in 1890 and played their first game on 24 September of that year... |
A The Wessex Stadium The Bob Lucas Stadium, is a football stadium in Weymouth, England. It has been the home ground of Weymouth F.C. since 1987.-History:The ground, which was built to hold 10,000 with 900 seated in the stand, first saw a football kicked with the visit of Taunton Town in the Western Counties Floodlight... |
2 – 2 | McEvilly 42', Beesley Mark Beesley Mark Anthony Beesley is an English footballer who is currently with Burscough.-Career:Born in Burscough, Lancashire, Beesley began his career at the youth system of Preston North End before signing a professional contract in June 1999. He subsequently spent three and a half seasons at Chester City... 45' |
1,367 | 3rd |
| 2 September 2008 | Ebbsfleet United | A Stonebridge Road Stonebridge Road is a multi-purpose stadium in Northfleet, Gravesend, Kent, England, which is primarily used for football matches. Stonebridge Road was constructed in 1905, and was initially the home of Northfleet F.C., which merged with Gravesend F.C. in 1946. It is currently the home ground of... |
1 – 1 | McEvilly 45' | 1,832 | 4th |
| 6 September 2008 | Wrexham | H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
2 – 0 | Beesley 28', 64' | 3,076 | 2nd |
| 13 September 2008 | Torquay United Torquay United F.C. Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
0 – 1 | – | 4,041 | 5th |
| 20 September 2008 | Mansfield Town Mansfield Town F.C. Mansfield Town Football Club is an English football club from the former mining town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The club was formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans and changed its name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910... |
A Field Mill Field Mill is a multi-use stadium in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England.It is currently occupied by its main tenant, Mansfield Town.The stadium has a capacity of around 10,000 when fully open, but due to the Bishop Street Stand being closed and safety restrictions, the ground currently holds less... |
1 – 1 | Brown Danny Brown (footballer) Daniel "Danny" Brown is a semi-professional footballer currently playing for Harlow Town in the Isthmian League Division One North.-Career:... 33' |
3,171 | 6th |
| 23 September 2008 | Oxford United Oxford United F.C. Oxford United Football Club is an English association football club based in Oxford, Oxfordshire. The club play in League Two, following promotion from the Conference National in May 2010. The club had been a non-League side since their relegation from the Football League in the 2005–06 season. The... |
H Kassam Stadium The Kassam Stadium is the home of Oxford United Football Club, and is named after the ground's owner, and former chairman of the club, Firoz Kassam.... |
1 – 3 | Jardim 56' | 4,170 | 8th |
| 28 September 2008 | Grays Athletic Grays Athletic F.C. Grays Athletic Football Club is an English football club currently based in Corringham, Essex after leaving the New Recreation Ground in Grays at the end of the 2009–10 season... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
1 – 0 | McEvilly 90' (pen) | 2,971 | 5th |
| 4 October 2008 | York City York City F.C. York City Football Club is an English football club based in York, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1922, they joined the Football League in 1929, and have spent most of their history in the lower divisions... |
A | 0 – 0 | – | 2,608 | 6th |
| 7 October 2008 | Lewes Lewes F.C. Lewes Football Club is an English football team based in Lewes, East Sussex. The club are currently members of the Isthmian League Premier Division and play at the Dripping Pan.-History:... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
1 – 0 | Challinor 90' | 3,194 | 5th |
| 11 October 2008 | Weymouth Weymouth F.C. Weymouth F.C. are an English football club based in the town of Weymouth, who currently play in the Southern League Premier Division.-History:Weymouth Football Club were founded in 1890 and played their first game on 24 September of that year... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
1 – 0 | Challinor 11' | 3,981 | 3rd |
| 16 October 2008 | Forest Green Rovers Forest Green Rovers F.C. Forest Green Rovers Football Club is an English football club based in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, currently the longest-serving members of the Conference National. The club is affiliated to the Gloucestershire County FA.-Early years:... |
A The Lawn Ground The Lawn Ground is located in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, England, and was, from 1890 to 2006, home to the English football club, Forest Green Rovers who currently play in the Conference National... |
2 – 2 | Hatswell 34', Crow Danny Crow Daniel Stephen "Danny" Crow is a footballer currently playing for Luton Town. He has previously played for Cambridge United, Norwich City, Northampton Town and Peterborough United.-Career:... 66' |
789 | 3rd |
| 1 November 2008 | Rushden & Diamonds Rushden & Diamonds F.C. Rushden & Diamonds Football Club was an association football club based in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, England. Formed by a merger of Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds in 1992, the club played in the Conference National following a short spell in the Football League at the start of... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
0 – 0 | – | 3,547 | 7th |
| 15 November 2008 | Crawley Town Crawley Town F.C. Crawley Town Football Club is an English football club based in Crawley, West Sussex. They won the title of the Football Conference, by a record 15 point margin on second place, and with it promotion to The Football League, in April 2011.-1896–2009:... |
A Broadfield Stadium Broadfield Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Crawley, England. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home ground of Crawley Town F.C.. The stadium has a capacity of 4,996 people, and is owned by Crawley Borough Council.-West Stand:... |
2 – 2 | McEvilly 51' (pen), Convery Mark Convery Mark Peter Convery is an English footballer who plays for Bedlington Terriers as a midfielder.-Career:Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, Convery started his career with Sunderland in 1999 and he joined Hvidovre IF of the Danish First Division on loan for four months in July 2000... 90' |
1,570 | 7th |
| 18 November 2008 | York City York City F.C. York City Football Club is an English football club based in York, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1922, they joined the Football League in 1929, and have spent most of their history in the lower divisions... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
1 – 0 | Purkiss (OG) 51' | 2,914 | 4th |
| 22 November 2008 | Altrincham Altrincham F.C. Altrincham Football Club is an English association football club from Altrincham, Greater Manchester. They currently play in the Conference North, having been relegated from the Conference National at the end of the 2010–11 season.-History:... |
A Moss Lane Moss Lane is a multi-purpose stadium in Altrincham, England. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home ground of Altrincham and Manchester United Reserves... |
0 – 1 | – | 1,123 | 5th |
| 29 November 2008 | Ebbsfleet United | H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
1 – 0 | Rendell Scott Rendell Scott David Rendell is an English footballer who plays for Wycombe Wanderers. His position is striker.-Career:Rendell was born in Ashford, Surrey but lived in Basingstoke, Hampshire, and he started his career with Staines Albion where he played until the age of 16. After Staines, Scott was signed... 45' |
2,807 | 4th |
| 6 December 2008 | Torquay United Torquay United F.C. Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley... |
A Plainmoor Plainmoor is a suburb of Torquay, Devon, but is best known as the name of the stadium in which Torquay United Football Club currently play.-History:... |
0 – 0 | – | 2,310 | 6th |
| 9 December 2008 | Burton Albion Burton Albion F.C. Burton Albion Football Club are a professional English football club based in the town of Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. The club's home ground is the Pirelli Stadium, having moved from Eton Park in 2005... |
A Pirelli Stadium The Pirelli Stadium is an association football stadium on Princess Way in Burton upon Trent, East Staffordshire, England. It was built in 2005 and is the current home of Burton Albion F.C., replacing the club's old Eton Park home, also on Princess Way, which was demolished and developed into housing... |
1 – 3 | Rendell 63' | 1,804 | 6th |
| 20 December 2008 | Salisbury City Salisbury City F.C. Salisbury City Football Club is an English football club based in Salisbury, Wiltshire currently playing in the Conference South. They were formed in 1947 and play at The Raymond McEnhill Stadium... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
4 – 0 | Willmott 24', Rendell 51', Holroyd 62', Pitt Courtney Pitt Courtney Leon Pitt is an English footballer who plays for AFC Telford United as a midfielder. He previously played for Portsmouth, Luton Town, Coventry City, Oxford United, Boston United, Cambridge United, York City and Weymouth.... 63' |
3,340 | 6th |
| 26 December 2008 | Histon Histon F.C. Histon Football Club is an English football club based in the twin villages of Histon and Impington, approximately north of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. From the 2007–08 season they competed in the Conference National, the highest level that the club has ever reached in the English football league... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
2 – 2 | Hatswell 15', Rendell 42' | 6,488 | 6th |
| 28 December 2008 | Stevenage Borough Stevenage Borough F.C. Stevenage Football Club is an English football club based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The club currently participate in League One, the third tier of English football, having won promotion from League Two in the 2010–11 season... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
1 – 1 | Rendell 3' | 3,351 | 6th |
| 17 January 2009 | Woking Woking F.C. Woking Football Club is a football club from in Woking, Surrey, England, formed in 1889. They are playing in the Conference South in the 2011–12 season. For the 2011/2012 season, Woking are sharing their ground with Conference National club Hayes & Yeading United.-Promotion to the... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
4 – 1 | Crow 3', 22', Beesley 66', Willmott 83' | 2,696 | 5th |
| 22 January 2009 | Wrexham | A Racecourse Ground The Glyndŵr University Racecourse Stadium AKA The Racecourse Ground is a stadium located in Wrexham, North Wales. It is the home of Wrexham F.C. and, since 2010, the Crusaders Rugby League team who play in the engage Super League... |
0 – 2 | – | 3,103 | 6th |
| 29 January 2009 | Oxford United Oxford United F.C. Oxford United Football Club is an English association football club based in Oxford, Oxfordshire. The club play in League Two, following promotion from the Conference National in May 2010. The club had been a non-League side since their relegation from the Football League in the 2005–06 season. The... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
1 – 1 | Carden Paul Carden Paul Andrew Carden is an English footballer who plays in midfield as a player/coach for Luton Town. While at Cambridge United, Carden was the club's assistant manager. He has previously played for Blackpool, Rochdale, Chester City, Doncaster Rovers, Peterborough United, Accrington Stanley, Burton... 72' |
3,774 | 7th |
| 1 February 2009 | Rushden & Diamonds Rushden & Diamonds F.C. Rushden & Diamonds Football Club was an association football club based in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, England. Formed by a merger of Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds in 1992, the club played in the Conference National following a short spell in the Football League at the start of... |
A Nene Park Nene Park is a football stadium situated by Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, England, along the bank of the River Nene, and holds 6,441, with 4,641 seated and 1,800 standing. The car park can hold 800 vehicles. From 1992 until 2011 it was the home ground of Rushden & Diamonds football club... |
2 – 1 | Holroyd 21' (pen), Bolland Phil Bolland Philip Christopher "Phil" Bolland is an English professional footballer, currently playing for Barrow AFC in the Conference National.... 88' |
2,058 | 3rd |
| 17 February 2009 | Kidderminster Harriers Kidderminster Harriers F.C. Kidderminster Harriers F.C. are an English football club based in Kidderminster, Worcestershire formed in 1886 They currently play in the Conference National and have played at Aggborough Stadium since they were formed... |
A | 3 – 1 | Rendell 20' (pen), Holroyd 31', 55' | 1,361 | 3rd |
| 21 February 2009 | Lewes Lewes F.C. Lewes Football Club is an English football team based in Lewes, East Sussex. The club are currently members of the Isthmian League Premier Division and play at the Dripping Pan.-History:... |
A The Dripping Pan The Dripping Pan is a football stadium in Lewes, England. It has been home to Lewes F.C. since their incarnation in 1885. It had previously been used by Lewes Priory Cricket Club, though the ground itself had been used by the people of Lewes as a centre for recreation as far back as records exist,... |
2 – 0 | Rendell 83' (pen), Willmott 87' | 962 | 3rd |
| 24 February 2009 | Grays Athletic Grays Athletic F.C. Grays Athletic Football Club is an English football club currently based in Corringham, Essex after leaving the New Recreation Ground in Grays at the end of the 2009–10 season... |
A | 1 – 0 | Rendell 42' | 754 | 3rd |
| 28 February 2009 | Crawley Town Crawley Town F.C. Crawley Town Football Club is an English football club based in Crawley, West Sussex. They won the title of the Football Conference, by a record 15 point margin on second place, and with it promotion to The Football League, in April 2011.-1896–2009:... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
1 – 1 | Pitt 82' | 3,231 | 3rd |
| 2 Match 2009 | Histon Histon F.C. Histon Football Club is an English football club based in the twin villages of Histon and Impington, approximately north of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. From the 2007–08 season they competed in the Conference National, the highest level that the club has ever reached in the English football league... |
A Glassworld Stadium Bridge Road, also known as the Glassworld Stadium for sponsorship purposes, is a football stadium in Impington, a small village connected to Histon in Cambridgeshire. The ground is owned by a trust called Histon Football Club Holdings, who guarantee the use of the facility for sports purposes.... |
1 – 1 | Hatswell 74' | 2,579 | 3rd |
| 7 March 2009 | Burton Albion Burton Albion F.C. Burton Albion Football Club are a professional English football club based in the town of Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. The club's home ground is the Pirelli Stadium, having moved from Eton Park in 2005... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
2 – 0 | Rendell 55', Willmott 76' | 4,377 | 2nd |
| 10 March 2009 | Mansfield Town Mansfield Town F.C. Mansfield Town Football Club is an English football club from the former mining town of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The club was formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans and changed its name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
2 – 1 | Rendell 49', Reason 90' | 2,781 | 2nd |
| 14 March 2009 | Northwich Victoria Northwich Victoria F.C. Northwich Victoria Football Club are an English football club who play at the Victoria Stadium in Wincham, Northwich, Cheshire in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the seventh tier of the English football league system.Northwich are an old club, founded in 1874 and named in honour of... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
4 – 1 | Holroyd 25', Rendell 30', 37', Parkinson Andy Parkinson Andrew John "Andy" Parkinson is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward, attacking midfielder and a winger and is signed to Aberystwyth Town in the Welsh Premier League.... 80' |
2,662 | 2nd |
| 17 March 2009 | Barrow Barrow A.F.C. Barrow A.F.C. are an English football club founded in 1901 based in the town of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria. Following promotion at the end of the 2007–08 season, they currently play in the Conference National. The club spent over fifty years in the Football League between 1921 and 1972, and have... |
A Holker Street Holker Street, also known as the Furness Building Society Stadium for sponsorship purposes, is a sports stadium located in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England. Currently and originally used as a football ground, it has also previously been used for speedways races... |
2 – 0 | Holroyd 63', 83' | 1,341 | 2nd |
| 30 March 2009 | Woking Woking F.C. Woking Football Club is a football club from in Woking, Surrey, England, formed in 1889. They are playing in the Conference South in the 2011–12 season. For the 2011/2012 season, Woking are sharing their ground with Conference National club Hayes & Yeading United.-Promotion to the... |
A Kingfield Stadium Kingfield Stadium is the home of Woking F.C.. It is situated in the Kingfield area of Woking, Surrey. The stadium has a capacity of 6,036 of which 2,500 are seated. The main stand, called the Leslie Gosden Stand, is much higher than the rest of the ground and towers above the other stands. The... |
1 – 0 | Reason 83' | 1,775 | 2nd |
| 4 April 2009 | Forest Green Rovers Forest Green Rovers F.C. Forest Green Rovers Football Club is an English football club based in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, currently the longest-serving members of the Conference National. The club is affiliated to the Gloucestershire County FA.-Early years:... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
0 – 1 | – | 3,245 | 2nd |
| 7 April 2009 | Stevenage Borough Stevenage Borough F.C. Stevenage Football Club is an English football club based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The club currently participate in League One, the third tier of English football, having won promotion from League Two in the 2010–11 season... |
A Broadhall Way Broadhall Way, known as The Lamex Stadium for sponsorship purposes, is an association football stadium in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. It has been the home ground of Stevenage since 1980, and has a capacity of 7,100 people, including 3,142 seats.-History:The club plays at Broadhall Way, previously... |
1 – 2 | Willmott 17' | 3,408 | 3rd |
| 11 April 2009 | Eastbourne Borough Eastbourne Borough F.C. Eastbourne Borough are a semi-professional English football club, based in the town of Eastbourne, East Sussex, and are members of the Conference South. They are known as The Sports after their previous name as Langney Sports. Eastbourne Borough play their home matches at Priory Lane in Langney... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
2 – 1 | Phillips 65', Holroyd 71' (pen) | 3,391 | 2nd |
| 11 April 2009 | Kettering Town Kettering Town F.C. Kettering Town Football Club are a football club originating in Kettering, Northamptonshire but currently based in the nearby village of Irthlingborough. The club play in the Conference National after winning the Conference North in 2007–08... |
A Rockingham Road Rockingham Road, known as the Elgoods Brewery Arena for sponsorship purposes, is a football stadium in Kettering, Northamptonshire, England. It was home to Kettering Town F.C. until 2011, who play in the Conference National.... |
2 – 1 | Holroyd 14' (pen), Willmott 74' | 2,340 | 2nd |
| 11 April 2009 | Salisbury City Salisbury City F.C. Salisbury City Football Club is an English football club based in Salisbury, Wiltshire currently playing in the Conference South. They were formed in 1947 and play at The Raymond McEnhill Stadium... |
A Raymond McEnhill Stadium The Raymond McEnhill Stadium is a purpose built 5,000 capacity football stadium in Salisbury, Wiltshire. It is the home of Salisbury City, who in the 2011–12 season are playing in the Conference South.-History:... |
2 – 1 | Rendell 19', Parkinson 45' | 1,031 | 2nd |
| 11 April 2009 | Altrincham Altrincham F.C. Altrincham Football Club is an English association football club from Altrincham, Greater Manchester. They currently play in the Conference North, having been relegated from the Conference National at the end of the 2010–11 season.-History:... |
H Abbey Stadium The Abbey Stadium, known as R Costings Abbey Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is a football stadium in Cambridge, England. It has been the home ground of Cambridge United F.C. since 1932, and currently has a maximum capacity of 9,617 spectators... |
0 – 0 | – | 7,090 | 2nd |
Play-offs
FA CupFA Cup 2008-09The 2008–09 FA Cup was the 128th season of the world's oldest football knockout competition; The Football Association Challenge Cup, or FA Cup for short. A record 762 clubs were accepted for the competition; one club, South Normanton Athletic, folded before the fixtures were released, leaving 761...
FA Trophy
Setanta Shield
League table
Awards
- Awarded on 2 June 2009.
| Award | Name | No. | Pos. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet Player of the Year | Wayne Hatswell Wayne Hatswell Wayne Mervin Hatswell is an English professional footballer, currently player-coach at .-Career:Hatswell began his career with Swindon Supermarine and also played for Witney Town before joining Forest Green Rovers in 1999. During his first season at Forest Green, he made 34 league appearances, and... |
10 | DF |
| Internet Young Player of the Year | Chris Holroyd Chris Holroyd Christopher "Chris" Holroyd is an English professional football player who currently plays for League Two side Rotherham United.... |
4 | FW |
| Goal of the Season | Paul Carden Paul Carden Paul Andrew Carden is an English footballer who plays in midfield as a player/coach for Luton Town. While at Cambridge United, Carden was the club's assistant manager. He has previously played for Blackpool, Rochdale, Chester City, Doncaster Rovers, Peterborough United, Accrington Stanley, Burton... (vs Oxford United Oxford United F.C. Oxford United Football Club is an English association football club based in Oxford, Oxfordshire. The club play in League Two, following promotion from the Conference National in May 2010. The club had been a non-League side since their relegation from the Football League in the 2005–06 season. The... ) |
15 | MF |
See also
- History of Cambridge United F.C.History of Cambridge United F.C.The History of Cambridge United F.C. covers almost 100 years. Since establishment in 1912 as Abbey United to play friendly games, the club grew quickly and was eventually elected to the Football League, of which it was a member for 35 years before relegation in 2005...
- 2008–09 in English football2008–09 in English footballThe 2008–09 season was the 129th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and Hull City were all playing in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship last season. Stoke returned to the top flight after a 23-year absence, while...
- 2008–09 Football Conference season