Sam Cutler

The last few months must surely have flown by for Sam Cutler. The talented midfielder has been a regular in the CRC team so far this term, as well as competing in the FA Youth Cup, and all this at just 16 years of age. This is testament to Sam's precocious ability and capability to adapt to new challenges, as he and his teammates have had to do this season, particularly in the highly competitive Ridgeons League.

The Cambridge United Centre of Excellence coaches put much of Sam's success down to his positive attitude and willing to learn, and Sam himself admits his 'good attitude' is indeed one of his best qualities. This is certainly an asset not to be underestimated - there have been many examples in the world game of players with ability but with a questionable temperament. Though it appears that East London lad Sam has the footballing capacity to match his creditable mind-set.

In the Ridgeons League, Sam has constantly improved his performances, getting to grips quickly with the tempo and physicality of the Ridgeons Premier. Having started as primarily a holding midfielder, Sam has become somewhat of an all-action character, breaking forward from the centre to good effect, especially in the victory away against King's Lynn Reserves when he managed to connect with a Jordan Collins cross following a lung-busting run. And, he will hope to add more goals to his tally as goal-getting midfielders are extremely valuable in this day and age.

Along with his 'good shot', Sam rates his range of passing and awareness. Furthermore, the versatile midfield man is comfortable with both feet, another useful asset for a modern-day midfielder.

The likes of Ritchie Hanlon are able to pass confidently with both left and right foot, and it enables the initiation of swift breaks and switch of play in search of goals. Though Ritchie is doubtless someone Sam has been able to learn from, the footballer he admires most is fellow Eastender Frank Lampard.

Sam comments, "I watch how he plays and take the good things out of his game and try to put them into mine."

This is an example of the desire to learn Sam has shown; we can all learn from others, especially given the amount of television coverage such pros as Frank Lampard receive.

Being a youngster from a similar geographical background to the Chelsea midfielder, Sam can surely identify with his progression from youth player, to first-teamer and Premier League champion.

Sam adds, "His passing is brilliant as well as his awareness and attitude - a great pro."

Well, if Sam's footballing development continues, there is surely no reason why he cannot emulate his heroes in the game.

For the moment however, West Ham fan Sam aims to break into the first team at Cambridge United by the end of his scholarship, and earn a pro contract. This is the goal for all the youngsters, although Sam, still a first-year scholar, has more time to progress than others. Perhaps in years to come, the Bexley lad will achieve his ultimate aims of "becoming a pro footballer at a higher level - hopefully Championship level, and earn a very good living out of the game."

Though, who's to say the Premiership won't be out of reach - a stage that a string of former-U's have competed on.

Sam obviously believes Cambridge is a good place to continue his education in the game. He actually spent eight years with Charlton Athletic, where he must have learnt a great deal, but he clearly felt the time was right to move and gain valuable experience of regular, competitive football.

Sam mused, "I think I will improve as a player here and have a good chance of becoming a first-team player."

It is often useful for a player to work his way up through the leagues, gaining more and more knowledge of how the game is played at each level.

Here at Cambridge United Sam has a two year scholarship during which he is guaranteed fairly regular football, and, unusually, in a tough mens league.

Many of his counterparts at other clubs will only be competing against other youths, and Sam and the team's experiences of men football have already shone through in the FA Youth Cup games.

Sam will be hoping to repeat his schoolboy exploits here in Cambridge. In his younger days he played an important part in his school's victory in the county cup, winning the penalty that proved decisive in the final. We sincerely hope that Sam will compete in many more finals as his career progresses, and that one day he will help guide Cambridge United back towards the top of the English game.

by Henry Milward

Previous Featured Players:
16Nov06: Robbie Simpson
02Nov06: Craig Bussens (scholar)
12Oct06: Michael Hyem (scholar)
06Oct06: Rob Wolleaston
25Sep06: Matt Kendrick (scholar)
20Sep06: Jon Brady
14Sep06: Mark Peters
11Sep06: Jordan Collins (scholar)

Last season's Featured Players:
16May06: Jon Brady
04May06: Tommy Jaszczun
26Apr06: David Bridges
20Apr06: Scott Howie
13Apr06: Craig Westcarr
22Mar06: Andy Duncan
15Mar06: David Bridges
01Feb06: David Chick
08Dec05: Michael Morrison
29Nov05: Ritchie Hanlon
25Oct05: Stephen Smith
05Oct05: Fola Onibuje
29Sep05: Mark Peters

15May05: Your Players of the Year 2004/05

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