Cambridge United Season Preview 2021/22: Back in League One after 19-years

Mark Bonner lead Cambridge to promotion in his first full season in charge as a manager but his second one will present a much bigger challenge.

The U’s surpassed all expectations in 2020/21 by achieving automatic promotion. They were a well-coached team that relied on energy, hard work, the creativity of Wes Hoolahan and the goals of Paul Mullin.

The latter is now gone but the bulk of the squad will remain unchanged as the side from The Abbey head into a division that looks like one of its toughest incarnations for many years.

Mark Bonner is clearly a talented boss and he will need to show it again if this side are to overachieve as they did last year. Consistency was key for the U’s as they were barely out of the top spots during the condensed, pandemic riddled campaign – a testament to their determination and work ethic.

A bit like last season, it’s hard to know what to expect and the element of surprise could yet again be a key ally in the Cambridge cause.

The Squad

The big loss this season will be the goals of Paul Mullin, who did so well during 2020/21 that he had a stand named after him. With Kyle Knoyle the only other major departure, stability has been well maintained at The Abbey.

Cambridge set up in a 4-4-2 for the majority of their promotion campaign and Bonner is unlikely to deviate too much from a successful formula, but in a more progressive division he may have to be flexible in order to get results. With Hoolahan likely to play limited minutes, the side could lean on their wide men for more creativity.

New signings James Brophy and Shilow Tracey are the players in question, with the former joining after some impressive performances with Leyton Orient over the last couple of seasons.

Jensen Weir is a nice pick-up on loan from Brighton. The England youth international was sold to the Seagulls by Wigan to alleiate their financial woes last season and a temporary move to the Abbey makes a lot of sense for the midfielder.

Greg Taylor is a stalwart at the heart of the defence and Harrison Dunk remains a reliable full-back on the left. The midfield sees Paul Digby return after an excellent 2020/21 campaign with both Liam O’Neil and Adam May also available. Mullin leaves some pretty big shoes to fill and Sam Smith could be the man to do. The former Reading striker returns for his second spell in Cambridgeshire having put in a number of quality displays to help Cheltenham Town win the League Two title last season.

Newcomer to watch: Shilow Tracey

The former Tottenham man has shown glimpses of his ability during a number of loan spells, the best of which probably came last season when at The Abbey.

Now he has found a permanent home, perhaps the stability this brings will help nature him into a consistent performer who will be a pacey threat for Cambridge in League One.

Verdict

Cambridge go into League One full of confidence and with the majority of last season’s squad intact, nevertheless, this is not going to be an easy season for the U’s. A highly competitive third tier will be a real test for Mark Bonner’s side and, realistically, staying up should be the target for their first season back at this level since 2002. If 2020/21 was anything to go by, however, they might just surprise a few ‘experts’ and finish a lot higher than expected.

words James Richards, D3D4 Football