The Club is saddened to hear of the death of former striker Nigel Cassidy. Following a short spell in hospital, as a result of a leg infection, he sadly passed away on Monday 19th May 2008 aged 62.
Born in Salisbury, Nigel had signed for Norwich City as a schoolboy, only to be released at the age of 16. He was to join Lowestoft Town, who were dominating the Eastern Counties League, and went onto to score an incredible 103 goals in 94 competitive games. This led to a return to Carrow Road but following a meagre three appearances in two seasons for the Canaries, he moved on to Scunthorpe United in December 1968. It was with the Irons, where he was a team mate of an emerging talent called Kevin Keegan, that he gained legendary status scoring 33 goals on 88 games.
Oxford United signed him for £20,000 in November 1970, for whom he netted another 33 goals in 116 games. In March 1974, Nigel became Cambridge United's record signing for £25,000 as Manager Bill Leivers made a late attempt to avoid the Club's first ever relegation. This transfer fee, however, was eclipsed a few days later by the £30,000 signing of Bobby Shinton from Walsall.
Nigel had a recognisable Mexican-style moustache and lived life with a smile and a laugh. He was not the tallest of strikers but a larger proportion of his career goals came from headers. His time at Cambridge was not as prolific though with injuries taking their toll. After 13 League goals in 54 games he was released by Ron Atkinson at the end of the 1974-75 season and moved to player for Denver in the USA.
He finished his playing career at Bicester Town and Banbury United, subsequently becoming a publican in Oxfordshire and most recently in Cornwall. His funeral will be held at 3.15pm in Wadebridge, Cornwall on Thursday 29th May. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.
Brian Attmore
Fans Director
