Football Season Guide

Paul Mullin’s switch to National League side Wrexham is arguably one of the biggest transfer shocks of the summer so far. Mullin was integral to Cambridge United’s unlikely yet incredible 2020/21 season which saw them promoted to League One under manager Mark Bonner. Mullin was an erstwhile lower league journeymen until his loan move was made permanent last summer. Mullin bagged over 30 goals as the U’s claimed runners-up spot in League Two. His departure was expected but, with several Championship clubs being linked, a move to North Wales came as a real shock. Winger Luke Hannatt’s switch to Colchester United was surprising but full-back Kyle Knoyle’s move to Doncaster Rovers had a sense of history repeating itself, with full-back Brad Halliday making a similar move back in 2019. Cambridge United were one of the have-nots in League Two never mind the extraordinary amounts of money being spent by their League One rivals this summer and, with the promotion celebrations barely over, the vast majority of Bonner’s squad were now out of contract. Several have signed new deals, most notably midfield playmaker Wes Hoolahan, whose influence was almost as great as Mullin’s. He has made some shrewd additions this summer; the standout being James Brophy, who was outstanding for Leyton Orient. There are great hopes for Brighton & Hove Albion loan midfielder Jensen Weir but, at the time of writing, replacing Mullin’s goals will be Bonner’s number one priority.