Football Season Review

It was a magical season for Cambridge United, whose remarkable campaign ended in promotion to League 1. You’d have been hard pressed to find anyone who fancied the U’s for promotion last summer. The abrupt end to the previous season due to the global Covid-19 pandemic halted an encouraging start to Mark Bonner’s managerial career but the conditions didn’t look favourable for a club with tight finances. Bonner pulled off two coups in making striker Paul Mullin’s loan move from Tranmere Rovers permanent and encouraging midfielder Wes Hoolahan to sign a deal having trained with the club following his return from a sojourn in Oz. Hoolahan’s quality shone like a beacon and his creativity was crucial to their success, even though he could no longer play two games in a week. He was also key to the remarkable season enjoyed by Mullin, who plundered 34 goals and even had a stand named after him Bonner’s steadfastness was hugely important and he managed his small squad perfectly through an unprecedented schedule of games. He was without injured midfielder Liam O’Neil for the first half of the season and then lost goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov for the second half. Promotion was sealed on the final day of the season and they finished as runners-up. Their success was unlikely but thoroughly deserved. They will undoubtedly find life in League 1 tough next year but they have the right man in charge with Bonner and will spring a few more surprises.

Player of the Season: Paul Mullin