Cambridge United

Fresh from taking up his seat in Parliament, local Labour MP Daniel Zeichner paid a visit to the Abbey Stadium to take a look at the developments taking place around the ground and check out the new 2015/16 home shirt.

A fervent member of the Amber Army, Mr Zeichner MP swept to victory on May 8th to ensure he is set to represent the city in the House of Commons.  

Pleased to have switched from Westminster back to the Abbey, Mr Zeichner explains how his love affair with the U’s first came about, he said, “My feet have barely touched the ground since being elected but it is lovely to be back at the Abbey Stadium.

“It was Jez George (Chief Executive) who introduced me to the club about seven or eight years ago, whilst supporting his amazing marathon walks for the academy. 

“A couple of years ago after going to Wembley I thought I have to properly commit, so I bought a season ticket last year and really enjoyed it. It was a fantastic year for the club and I particularly enjoyed the Manchester United game.

“My friends Charles and Adrian, who sit with me, said that I wouldn’t be here next season but I renewed my season ticket as soon as I possibly could.”

He continued, “I have been shown the extension work on the back of the Main Stand which will make the ground a better venue.

“I have held Labour party events here in the past and will certainly look to do the same again.

“The whole sense of the club is fantastic and you can feel a real buzz about the place even during the off-season.”

In recent weeks the Labour MP has signposted his support towards the potential redevelopment of the Abbey Stadium which will require progress on the creation of a sporting village in Trumpington, believing the changes could act as a boost within the local community.

“I have supported the club throughout on the stadium redevelopment; there are a range of options as to what the club can do but I like the fact that the stadium would be completely redeveloped.

“It does hinge on the changes in Trumpington where the planning issues are complicated and there also some issues for people locally, but I’m sure the club will deal with those sensitively and I hope we can make it happen.”

He added, “It is really important to the community. Abbey ward has never been the most prosperous area and now suddenly there is an opportunity for us to really transform it.

“I think when people first saw the plans, there was a gasp because suddenly it would be so different.”

Meanwhile, Mr Zeichner also had the chance to get his hands on the 2015/16 home shirt and struggled to contain his excitement ahead of the new campaign. 

“It is very good and I was delighted to find it draped over the seat where I usually sit,” he said.

“It looks like we are going to have an all-new team next season alongside some players that we are familiar with and love already. The important thing is that the shirt goes out onto the field and does well. Let’s hope we are right near the top of the league next season.

“I think the club have been very sensible because we have seen some clubs before storm up two divisions and then struggle financially. We are not only strong on the field but off it too and when both are working well together, then you have some real confidence for the future.

“Let’s see where we go, but I feel at the moment the only way is up.”