Cambridge Utd

Cambridge keeper hangs up boots
Cambridge United goalkeeper Scott Howie is leaving the Abbey Stadium after deciding to retire from playing. Howie, 34, had been offered a new deal but has opted to call time on a 15-year professional career to concentrate on his business interests. The former Reading man joined the U's at the beginning of last season and went on to start 33 Conference games. Meanwhile, U's boss Rob Newman has handed new contracts to defenders Mark Peters and Andy Duncan.

No swift decision, says Bloomer
Utility man Matt Bloomer will wait to consider his options following his release by Lincoln City. Bloomer, 27, is a target for Conference side Cambridge, after a successful loan spell there last season. But he told the Lincolnshire Echo: "There's no rush. I enjoyed my time at Cambridge, but ideally I want to stay in the League. "I will assess the offers - as and when they come in - like a lot of players do at this time."

Cambridge snap up keeper Herbert
Cambridge United have signed former Norwich keeper Shane Herbert, after he impressed in pre-season with them. He joins on non-contract terms, which will also allow him to play for the U's reserves, Cambridge Regional College, in the Eastern Counties Premier League. \"He should be a more than capable understudy,\" boss Rob Newman told Cambridge's website. The 19-year-old has also played for non-league Gorleston, and had a spell on loan at Gillingham last season.

Cambridge desperate for striker
Cambridge United manager Rob Newman is desperate to sign a new striker. Forwards Michael Gash, Robbie Simpson and Danny Carey Bartram have all arrived at the club during pre-season. Newman told Sir Stanley: \"I have only got two fit strikers in Robbie and Danny but I need to get another one in to beef up the squad. \"Luckily both are injury free but if anything happened to them we would be lacking because Michael is still off the pace so we need someone in.\"

Board changes at Cambridge United
Dr Johnny Hon has rejoined Cambridge United's board as vice-chairman. He previously served on the board from August 2003 until April 2005, and is the club's second largest shareholder. It follows John Howard's resignation as a director earlier in the week, after the board asked him to step down due to a conflict of interest. Howard's company Bideawhile bought the Abbey Stadium in December 2004 - but he had remained as a director of the football club, who are its tenants.

Power is named Cambridge chairman
Former Norwich City striker Lee Power has been named as the new chairman of Conference outfit Cambridge United. The 34-year-old joined the U's board alongside local man Philip Law. \"Cambridge is a great club and I'm delighted to have the chance to start moving things forward ion the playing side,\" Power told their website. Power enjoyed a 12-year playing career including spells with Bradford and Hibernian, but was forced to retire at 28 after two broken legs. Power will work closely with manager Rob Newman and assistant Tony Spearing to help them out on the football side of the club. Law, 44, will be responsible for stadium management and infrastructure development.

Cambridge look at buying stadium
New Cambridge chairman Lee Power says he will look into buying back the Abbey Stadium from landlords Bideawhile. Power has confirmed that the rent for the ground has been guaranteed for three years. He told Sir Stanley: \"There have been a few attempts and deals put forward but nothing has come out of it yet. \"We have guaranteed football is played here and put in an investment that will make sure the rent is covered.\"

St Albans v Cambridge Utd
St Albans are waiting to hear the verdict of their appeal against Gary Elphick's sending-off before naming their team to face Cambridge. If successful, their starting XI will be unchanged but Ben Martin is on standby to replace him. Cambridge have no new injury worries as they look to get their first points on the board in the Conference. Defender Andy Duncan remains sidelined with a thigh strain and will be out for six weeks.

Newman dismay with Carey-Bertam
Cambridge United boss Rob Newman refused to defend striker Danny Carey-Bertram after he was sent-off in the 0-0 draw at St Albans City. \"There's no excuse for it and I'm not going to make any excuses,\" he said. \"It will be dealt with internally. Carey-Bertam faces a three-match ban after retaliating to a challenge from defender Gary Elphick. Newman added: \"I was pleased with our work ethic and to get our first point on the board.\"

Weymouth v Cambridge Utd
Weymouth's resources are stretched to the limit with a host of players out and they will name an unchanged squad. The men sidelined by injury are Roy O'Brien, Andy Harris, Dean Howell, Trevor Challis and Ross Carmichael, while Shaun Wilkinson is suspended. Daniel Carey-Bertram will be missing for Cambridge after earning a red card and a three-match ban in midweek. Defender Andy Duncan is also sidelined with a thigh injury, while the game comes too soon for Mark Peters.

Weymouth 2-1 Cambridge Utd
Weymouth maintained their 100% start to the season with a win over Cambridge. Chukki Eribenne gave Weymouth the lead midway through the first half with a low left-footed shot across the body of veteran goalkeeper Paul Crichton. Ben Smith doubled Weymouth's lead with a thunderbolt shot on 59 minutes after receiving a pass from Raphael Nade. Robbie Simpson pulled a goal back almost immediately when he headed home Jon Brady's cross, while Nade hit the post for Weymouth with a shot. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weymouth: Lee-Barrett, Tully, Downer, Vickers, El Kholti, Crittenden, Weatherstone, Smith, Elam (Purser 86), Nade (James 90), Eribenne (Logan 65). Subs Not Used: Tindall, Matthews. Goals: Eribenne 24, Smith 59. Cambridge Utd: Crichton, Jaszczun, Morrison, Bloomer, Smith (Lawrence 87), Pitt, Brady, Bridges (Gash 69), Wolleaston, Josh Simpson, Robbie Simpson. Subs Not Used: Davies, Quinton, Collins. Booked: Gash. Goals: Robbie Simpson 62. Att: 1,766 Ref: B Malone (Wiltshire).

Cambridge closing on striker deal
Cambridge boss Rob Newman revealed after Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Weymouth that he is on the verge of bringing a new striker to the Abbey Stadium. \"Hopefully on Monday there will be another striker in the building,\" the U's manager explained. \"He hasn't signed yet, but everything has been agreed.\" But he added: \"We've played three teams that have come up and we've got one point, which isn't good enough. Sooner or later, reality has to kick in.\"

Cambridge sign striker Richardson
Cambridge United have signed striker Marcus Richardson after his departure from Conference rivals Weymouth. Richardson, 28, joined Weymouth during the summer but left for personal reasons after failing to make an appearance for the Terras. Boss Rob Newman told U's website: \"He's a good old-fashioned centre-forward and been successful in the lower leagues.\" Richardson returns to Cambridge after spells with Torquay, Hartlepool, Lincoln, Yeovil and Chester.

Cambridge coach rues 'soft goals'
Assistant boss Tony Spearing was left to rue \"two soft goals\" as Cambridge's disappointing start to the season continued with a 2-1 defeat by Halifax. \"With the first one, there were three mistakes before it went in the back of the net,\" Spearing explained. \"We gave away a silly free-kick in a silly area, the ball came in and Paul Crichton came for it, missed it by inches and they thundered one in. \"The second one was a simple set piece that we defend every time in training.\" The U's have taken just one point from their first four Conference games.

Dag & Red v Cambridge Utd
Dagenham manager John Still is still without four first-team players for the Bank Holiday Monday fixture. Tim Cole (calf) and Paul Bruce (groin) again miss out while Lee Goodwin (knee) and Shane Blackett (knee) should be available in under two weeks. Cambridge strikers Robbie Simpson and Danny Carey-Bertram are suspended while Rob Wolleasten has a foot injury. Defenders Mark Peters, Andy Duncan, Ritchie Hanlon and David Bridges are all doubtful.

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