The Club are saddened to hear of the death of former player and assistant manager David Preece.

David, who signed from Derby County in September 1996, was a class midfielder. His infectious enthusiasm for the game and tactical awareness held him in good stead as Roy McFarland's right hand man when the U's last won promotion - to Division 2 in 1998-9.

During his 5 seasons at the Abbey Stadium he made 75 appearances, half of which were from the substitutes bench, and whilst scoring only two goals was responsible for setting up countless others.

In September 2001 when McFarland was sacked, David soon left to join him at Torquay United as his assistant. On their departure from there a year later, he moved to Enfield, followed by a spell as assistant manager at Stevenage and Telford. He has also held that position at Walton & Hersham and was Graham Westley's assistant during his spell at Rushden and Diamonds last season.

David Preece's best playing days were behind him when he joined the U's. Born in Bridgnorth in May 1963 he became an apprentice at Walsall and then spent four seasons there as a professional, scoring 5 goals in 110 appearances.

A £150,000 move to Luton Town followed in December 1984, where he was to win three England B caps as well as playing for the Hatters in their Littlewoods Cup win at Wembley over Arsenal in 1988. He made nearly 400 appearances for them before signing for Derby County and making loan appearances at both Birmingham City and Swindon Town.

A full career and extremely well respected, his life has been suddenly cut short at the age of 44. Our thoughts are very much with his family, friends and especially his three children. The Club will be asking fans to join
together in paying their respects with a minute's silence prior to Tuesday evening's home game against Colchester United.

Brian Attmore
Fans Director

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