Football Season Guide

Robbie Cowling shocked many during the summer after parting company with head coach John McGreal. It followed hot on the heels of the disappointment of missing out on a trip to Wembley and a possible promotion. The U’s were beaten in the play-off semi-finals by the slimmest of margins by Exeter City after the premature end to the season brought by the Covid-19 pandemic. McGreal’s departure comes as a consequence of a move to align the first-team with the U’s Academy. Cowling had already sprung a surprise with the announcement that four senior players wouldn’t have their contracts renewed even before the play-offs were played. Ryan Jackson, Luke Prosser and Frank Nouble all played a big part in 2019-20. McGreal’s assistant Steve Ball has taken over as head coach and will clearly be looking to integrate more promising youngsters into the first team. He has made a trio additions to his squad so far in former Liverpool goalkeeper Shamal George; experienced defender Tommy Smith and loan striker Martell Taylor-Crossdale. The strategy is a bold one but they do have several talented youngsters in full-back Cohen Bramall, winger Courtney Senior and midfield playmaker Kwarme Poku, who are already attracting interest from other clubs. This will be a fifth season in League 2 for the U’s and could be one of transition.