Club: Cambridge United
Formed: 1912
Nickname: The U's
Colours: Yellow and Black
Stadium: Abbey Stadium (9,617)
Address:The Abbey Stadium, Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8LN
Official Website: www.cambridge-united.co.uk
The club was founded in 1912 as Abbey United and played in various local amateur leagues with some relative success. In 1949 the club turned professional and changed it's name to Cambridge United in 1951. The club was elected to the football league in 1970.
Cambridge United haven't the most illustrious of histories but their golden era came in the late 80's and early nineties. in 1990 they won the Fourth Division playoffs and the next year were crowned Third Division champions. Cambridge United were led by their star striker Dion Dublin after arriving from Norwich on a free in 1988. Dublin powered Cambridge to their best ever league position - 5th in the second division qualifying for the Playoffs and a chance to complete a stunning three consecutive promotions and play in the first season of the newly formed Premier League. After drawing 1-1 with Leicester City in the Semi Final first leg they were battered 5-0 in the 2nd leg and promotion dreams were shattered.
Dion Dublin was sold to Manchester United for 1million pounds and Cambridge United began their fall into the Third Division. A spell between 1999 and 2002 saw them gain promotion and play in the second division but it wasnt long until they were back in the depths of the bottom division.
The 2004/2005 season saw them finish rock bottom of the Third Division and after 35 years in the football league on April 23rd 2005 it was confirmed that Cambridge United were to play Conference football. With Debts of nearly 1million pounds the administrators were called in and a clearout of staff and players followed.
Cambridge United now find themselves playing in the conference but will hope it is not long until they are back in the football league