Meet the opposition | Cambridge United
As Swansea City prepare to take on Cambridge United in the Carabao Cup, we take a closer look at our visitors.
What’s their story?
Formed in 1912 – the same year as Swansea City – it took 58 years for the Us to join the Football League by way of election in 1970.
They wasted little time making their presence felt, reaching the second tier within eight years after back-to-back promotions under the guidance of future Aston Villa and Manchester United boss Ron Atkinson.
A period of struggle during the mid-1980s saw them fall back to the bottom tier, but they recovered again during John Beck’s time at the helm.
They climbed to the second tier and reached the play-offs the year before the Premier League was formed, but were unable to get to the top-flight during the most successful time in their history – which included consecutive FA Cup quarter-final appearances.
They fell out of the Football League in 2005, but returned in 2014 and are in their sixth-straight season in League Two.
How’s their form?
Like the Swans, Cambridge were unbeaten through their first four league games, taking eight points from a possible 12 to sit fourth in the League Two table, but suffered a first defeat at home to Oldham at the weekend.
They also caused a Carabao Cup upset in round one as they beat Championship Brentford at Griffin Park on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The Us finished 21st of 24 in League Two last term, losing four of their last six fixtures, but will be encouraged by their bright start this time around.
Who’s the boss?
Colin Calderwood. The 54-year-old brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Abbey Stadium both from his playing and coaching days.
As a player, the defender started his career with Mansfield before joining Swindon, but is best remembered for his spells with Tottenham and Aston Villa before hanging up his boots following short stints with Nottingham Forest and Notts County.
He also won 36 Scotland caps, representing his country at Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup.
He moved into management with Northampton in 2003, getting them promoted to League One in 2006 before becoming Forest boss where he got them promoted back to the Championship in 2008.
He left the East Midlands club later that year and went on to assist Chris Hughton at Newcastle before a stint in charge at Hibernian in his homeland.
He worked as number two to Hughton again at Birmingham, Norwich and Brighton, and held the same role under Steve Bruce at Aston Villa before striking out on his own again when appointed Cambridge boss in December 2018.
Who are the key men?
Former Swansea City striker Marc Richards – scorer of some crucial goals during the battle for Football League survival in 2003 – has started the season with three goals in five appearances after moving from Swindon.
The Us also added Aston Villa product Harvey Knibbs to their squad over the summer and he bagged his first goal in the 3-2 win over Scunthorpe having also netted the clinching penalty against Brentford.
Former England Under-18 international George Taft has been a regular in defence while ex-Charlton keeper Dimitar Mitov already has two clean sheets under his belt.
Ex-Macclesfield midfielder Paul Lewis has been the midfield lynchpin for Calderwood’s team so far this term, starting every game in league and cup.
Tickets are still available for this fixture – get yours HERE or call the ticket office on 01792 616400. You can upgrade your experience to include lounge access – contact our dedicated hospitality team on 01792 616628 or on hospitality@swanseacity.com.
