TIDINGS OF JOY OR DESPAIR?

By Michael Barnes - expert writer for YABA

Cambridge United travel to in-form Notts County on Saturday, triggering a crucial Christmas and New Year period after a turbulent week in CB5.

The atmosphere at the Abbey threatened to turn toxic as the U's slid to a third consecutive defeat at the hands of Newport County last weekend, courtesy of a 94th-minute
winner for the Welshmen.

Ahead of the game, there had been plenty of speculation about the future of Shaun Derry and as the boos rang out on the final whistle, many sensed acutely that the axe was about to fall.

But life at Cambridge United is nothing if not unpredictable and, amid the flurry of post-match media activity and general disgruntlement among the fans, the dramatic news filtered through.

Shockwaves of disbelief filled social media as rumours and then confirmation of Chairman Dave Doggett's resignation replaced the anger and despair of defeat. 

After protracted discussions, the news of a takeover and a boardroom review was met with bemusement by a largely underwhelmed fanbase, armed with a host of unanswered questions.

Why the sudden need for renewed financial injection? Why did Doggett resign? Where on earth was Jez George? And what did the future now hold for Derry? 

Interim bosses Graham Daniels and Shaun Grady fronted up to the media after what felt like days of inaction. Jez was on holiday enjoying the cricket - and Derry had until New Year's Day to save his job.

United travel to Meadow Lane for the first of four games in eight days that could make or break their season - and spell 'Leave' or 'Remain' for the Head Coach.

Ironically, Derry's fledgling career in management began with the Magpies, who have yet to taste defeat at home this season. County are likely to be anything but the lightweights who succumbed to a comfortable U's double in the last campaign.

A Connor Newton strike sealed victory at Meadow Lane before two goals from Luke Berry and one apiece from Uche Ikpeazu and Piero Mingoia ensured an emphatic 4-0 win at the Abbey in the opening game of 2017.

On paper, back to back home games against strugglers Barnet and Crewe both look winnable, but losing can become a habit and that's one United will be desperate to break.

The U's have already lost to the North London side, going down 3-1 to the Bees back in September after putting in one of their least convincing performances of the campaign to date.

Conversely, a hard-fought 1-0 win in Cheshire three days later was exactly the type of battling display fans were used to during happier times.  

Last Saturday's defeat against Newport was in many ways undeserved after the U's turned in one of their better home performances, but struggling sides invariably see their luck desert them.

Depending on results, Derry's fate could be all but sealed by the time he takes his men to Colchester on New Year's Day.