By Owen Mizon - writer for YABA
Although familiar to a role as assistant manager a couple of times throughout his post-playing career, Joe Dunne has stepped up to the role as interim head coach extremely well. Before he joined the U's, he was with a battling Colchester United, who were at the time in League One. There, his opportunity popped up in the 2012/13 season where eventually he kept them up on the final day of the season, albeit some inconsistency at stages. He was kept on the following season, allowing time to build his own squad. He got them as far as he could, an impressive mid-table finish as well as developing homegrown players in the likes of current player Sammie Szmodics. He was relieved from his duties in September 2014 where he joined Cambridge United the following year.
Playing second fiddle to first Richard Money and then Shaun Derry, Joe Dunne has gained vast experience from what League Two has to offer, his relationship with the players was clear to see game by game. When Derry, through mutual consent, left Cambridge United after the Lincoln City match in February, Dunne along with Mark Bonner stepped up to run procedures around the club for the foreseeable future. Although the play-offs were unlikely unless United found that consistency they've struggled to hit since December 2016, there was really no sweat over the prospect of Conference football next season, so what was there to play for? First and foremost, a lot of the players will have to play for updated contracts for next season, impressing Joe Dunne and bringing that feel-good factor back to the club. Many fans came accustomed to how Shaun Derry would approach games, his defensive style was at times genuinely strong. 14 clean sheets at the time was incredibly impressive, joint top alongside Marek Stech of Luton Town. But going forward, players would become frustrated and chances would be rued. With the right man, United very well could have a positive end to a mixed season.
Honesty, honesty and more honesty is what Joe stated he wants from his players, his mind focused on one game at a time and a mantra of not being satisfied. It puts you in good stead in what is a physical league. His tenure started fantastically, the players showed real character to not back from a goal down once, but twice. The last time the U's forced a real comeback was the 3-2 home win against Newport County late last season. Determination and a hunger to succeed was shown that night at the Proact Stadium of Chesterfield. A nightmare start, 1-0 down, but neat play from Liam O'Neil, revitalised under Joe Dunne, forced an Uche Ikpeazu goal to level the scoring. Kristian Dennis put the Spireites back ahead on 55 with a trademark strikers goal. His calibre in the box is something the U's have lacked throughout the season, Jabo Ibehre has obviously proven to be a handful at times, Coventry City at home as an example, but injuries has tampered him. Whereas Ikpeazu has grabbed goals, but could do with more killer instinct at times. Speaking of the latter, he grabbed his brace with a composed penalty finish. United fought and they fought, keeping out Chesterfields attacks and having a few themselves before in the 95th minute of the match, they were given that bit of luck they've been craving for so long. Harrison Dunk being in the right place at the right time to thunder the ball home to send the travelling faithful into ecstasy, the togetherness and joy in the celebrations was so clear to see. The players showed real fight for the badge on the shirt that night and for the caretaker manager himself Joe Dunne. Pure grit. It's moments like this which could really set them up for something special.
Set it up so it did. Some motivation the players must have got, what more could you want when your next opponent is a Grimsby team on an awful run of form where they would be wondering when is the next win coming? The approach Joe Dunne took was refreshing to see, five attacking players in: Barry Corr, Uche Ikpeazu, Billy Waters, George Maris and Jevani Brown all starting. An imposing force that Grimsby Town could do little about. The Mariners huffed and puffed and created the odd chance, but Cambridge opened the scoring, Uche chasing down a Barry Corr header to place a sweet strike into the bottom right corner from roughly 16 yards. Followed by elation and the trademark Ikpeazu celebration towards Joe Dunne and the Mundipharma Community Stand, closely copied from George Taft. His 3rd in two games which would no doubt give the imposing striker more confidence. And that's how it stayed come half-time. Dunne knowing the U's could do better, he implemented this in his team talk and unleashed the ever-impressive David Amoo. David Forde was tested early on, Jamille Matt getting himself about, but any slight tension for the 3942 U's fans was distinguished when Billy Waters grabbed his first goal in the amber and black to make it 2-0. 4 minutes passed and good work from Amoo found Maris who, with a calm backheel, slotted past James McKeown and proceeded to celebrate in front of the delighted NRE fans. "Joe Dunne's Amber Army" was bellowed around the ground - rightly so.
The last Tuesday night game of the season occurred next, the U's seeking revenge from the reverse fixture at Meadow Lane. Equipped with loanee Jorge Grant and veterans in Jon Stead and Shola Ameobi, this was a real test for Cambridge United's back four who had been very impressive recently. The pairing of Greg Taylor and George Taft blossoming and with Leon Legge's anticipated return beckoning, Joe Dunne will have a selection headache. The only time a headache is pleasant however! I thoroughly believe this was one of United's best performances of the season, limiting the Magpies to chances and keeping Jon Stead quiet, as well as creating a numerous amount of chances themselves. Unlucky not to be a goal or two up at the time, United finally broke the deadlock, Medy Elito marking his return to the side with a goal, his third of the season and first which isn't a penalty. More determination ensured they held on and collected their third win in a row, which has not happened for over a year! Oozing confidence and bringing their own game to the opposition, Joe Dunne seemed to have brought the best out of his team, there could be no complaining. For the first time in a while, United's swagger was rather enjoyable. "As staff, we're just trying to keep everyone happy. The players have been exceptional..." is what Joe said post-game. Keeping a cool head, sticking to his task and swiftly he moved on to a tough test on the Saturday.
John Coleman has done remarkable things at Accrington Stanley. Punching above his weight and making some astute signings along the way. The prospect of him leading his team out at the Stadium of Light for a League One match is something which you'd laugh off if someone said to you a couple of years ago. Billy Kee has been fighting his recent struggles with anxiety and depression to become the leading goalscorer in League Two, credit where it's due. The likes of Kayden Jackson, a Grimsby Town loanee last season, Seamus Connelly and the 6ft8in Aaron Chapman between the sticks prove what a force Coleman has. The U's put in a solid performance where on another day they would have got something from the game. Uche Ikpeazu missing a golden one-on-one chance following great awareness from Billy Waters. At the other end, a controversial Kayden Jackson goal gave Stanley the 1-0 victory. Nevertheless, Dunne felt they can keep their heads up high and really go for it against a familiar opposition in Luton next week. Accrington however are a force to be reckoned with. By now, people certainly know who they are.
The Hatters too are a dominant specie of Sky Bet League Two. Danny Hylton, James Collins, Luke Berry, yes I know, are all 3 examples of their calibre. A huge attendance of 6722 fans packed the Abbey determined to see a positive display and maybe even a point or three. After impressing recently, Medy Elito and Liam O'Neil started as part of a diamond equipped by Joe Dunne, the likes of George Maris, David Amoo and Jabo Ibehre settling for a place on the bench. The U's started off incredibly bright, Ikpeazu being the brutal dominant force he usually is, creating many a chances and linking up with Billy Waters ever so well. But the Luton we are ever so accustomed to tend to always break us on the counter attack. They grew into the game and although Gary Deegan especially put Luke Berry into his place, James Collins opened the deadlock with a shot which maybe could have been defended better on another day. It was coming rightly so. However, take it going into the second-half and see what happens. It took time, but having Maris, Amoo and Ibehre on the pitch, adding that creative force, worked in United's favour. Chances went from a rarity to regularly. The turning point happened when James Collins was dismissed from play. United capitalised and a pin-point cross from Brad Halliday found Jabo Ibehre who headed home to the jubilation of the United supporters. It was Cambridge's game to win now. Joe Dunne urged to attack Luton, exploiting their tiring defence. Moments after, an opportunity arose for Ibehre, he unleashed but a strong block fell to both Jevani Brown and David Amoo who were inches away from causing a mini earthquake in the Newmarket Road End I'm sure. But a draw against Luton Town is creditable and something they can learn from and take forward.
Adams Park beckoned for Joe Dunne. A difficult test which the U's more often than not go back to Cambridgeshire empty handed from this game. With the ageing, yet still impressive, Nathan Tyson alongside Adebayo Akinfenwa who just seems to improve by the year, Wycombe will be up there this season. An early injury to George Maris meant Paul Lewis was given a long-awaited chance. Overall, it was a strong away performance first-half, until poor defending allowed Akinfenwa to head home with power, advantage Wycombe. Cambridge went out in the second half and did create some chances, but Luke O'Nein was unlucky not to grab a goal, as was Tyson and Akinfenwa who kept Forde well alert. Somehow in the 93rd minute, Ikpeazu shrugged his way through 3 Wycombe defenders, playing with the ball in the air into the path of Paul Lewis who calmly slotted a half-volley through Scott Brown before running to the half-way line to a jubilant Joe Dunne and the subs bench. How many times have we seen this over the past few weeks? Passion and a never-say-die attitude. This team managed by Joe Dunne simply does not know when it is beaten. Paul Lewis grabbing his second goal for Cambridge, that's if you count a finish against Royston Town in pre-season. Can Joe Dunne get the best out of him? He certainly has with other players!
A return to the Abbey Stadium for the visit of the Robins, Swindon Town was up next. Under the tutelage of former Southend boss Phil Brown, it's an incredibly tough game. Perfectly summed up from Joe Dunne, "maybe a game too far" was evident. A far too easy header from Luke Norris set Swindon on their way and all of first half Cambridge were tracked back from dangerous counter attacks, the likes of Paul Mullin, Marc Richards and Chris Hussey causing havoc. An acrobatic effort from Billy Waters was the closest United got, which they were extremely unlucky with. In the 62nd minute, more crossing from the right side of Swindon's attack found Marc Richards who, although seemed to be offside, beat David Forde. Cambridge United had a mountain to climb. The constant counter attacks and the snow wouldn't stop, it was a good game for the neutral. But on the 73rd minute after having a bit of pressure diverted, Uche Ikpeazu leaped onto a fantastic cross from David Amoo to half the deficit and give United confidence to fight and grab another goal. But this was demolished when a Halliday foul caught Swindon in the box and Marc Richards stepped up to convert and wrap proceedings. Man of the match, David Amoo. He had been on 36 minutes. Proof that United just couldn't reach high standards today. But these games happen and it's certainly been a positive spell for Joe Dunne's side. It was now a good opportunity to see how he would react, testing his character and identifying if his decisions can grab him the full-time job.
The last game to conclude this review is the long trek at Brunton Park in Cumbria last Saturday. Keith Curle's side have been strong of late, 6 games unbeaten and protected by former QPR defender and veteran Clint Hill. David Forde was the man to thank as they took a point back home with them courtesy of numerous fantastic saves when a goal seemed definite. Jabo Ibehre receiving a fantastic reception by both CUFC's all game, his hold-up play too was immaculate all half. 2 minutes after the re-start, Richie Bennett gave Carlisle the lead with a well worked goal. A quick fight from United ended up with George Maris nodding home Ibehre's header to make it 1-1. Jamie Devitt caused Joe Dunne's side hassle all game and his crosses were deadly. But even though the Cumbrians threw the kitchen sink at United, they couldn't break them, settling for a draw which Cambridge United will certainly take.
Overall, from his 8 games in charge of United, he has picked up 3 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats. 12 points out of a possible 24. Which is creditable considering who exactly United have played. In contrast to Shaun Derry's last 8 games at United, they picked up 2 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses. So a definite improvement and a step in the right direction. 7 games remain of the 2017/18 campaign, it's now time to work for next season and show real potential to kick forward. The way things seem to be going, don't bet against Joe Dunne being given time to build his own squad next season.
Credits go to The Cambridge News, the Accrington Stanley website as well as the ever-reliable club photographer Simon Lankester.
Up the U's!
Owen Mizon
Mizonowen@gmail.com
The last Tuesday night game of the season occurred next, the U's seeking revenge from the reverse fixture at Meadow Lane. Equipped with loanee Jorge Grant and veterans in Jon Stead and Shola Ameobi, this was a real test for Cambridge United's back four who had been very impressive recently. The pairing of Greg Taylor and George Taft blossoming and with Leon Legge's anticipated return beckoning, Joe Dunne will have a selection headache. The only time a headache is pleasant however! I thoroughly believe this was one of United's best performances of the season, limiting the Magpies to chances and keeping Jon Stead quiet, as well as creating a numerous amount of chances themselves. Unlucky not to be a goal or two up at the time, United finally broke the deadlock, Medy Elito marking his return to the side with a goal, his third of the season and first which isn't a penalty. More determination ensured they held on and collected their third win in a row, which has not happened for over a year! Oozing confidence and bringing their own game to the opposition, Joe Dunne seemed to have brought the best out of his team, there could be no complaining. For the first time in a while, United's swagger was rather enjoyable. "As staff, we're just trying to keep everyone happy. The players have been exceptional..." is what Joe said post-game. Keeping a cool head, sticking to his task and swiftly he moved on to a tough test on the Saturday.
John Coleman has done remarkable things at Accrington Stanley. Punching above his weight and making some astute signings along the way. The prospect of him leading his team out at the Stadium of Light for a League One match is something which you'd laugh off if someone said to you a couple of years ago. Billy Kee has been fighting his recent struggles with anxiety and depression to become the leading goalscorer in League Two, credit where it's due. The likes of Kayden Jackson, a Grimsby Town loanee last season, Seamus Connelly and the 6ft8in Aaron Chapman between the sticks prove what a force Coleman has. The U's put in a solid performance where on another day they would have got something from the game. Uche Ikpeazu missing a golden one-on-one chance following great awareness from Billy Waters. At the other end, a controversial Kayden Jackson goal gave Stanley the 1-0 victory. Nevertheless, Dunne felt they can keep their heads up high and really go for it against a familiar opposition in Luton next week. Accrington however are a force to be reckoned with. By now, people certainly know who they are.
The Hatters too are a dominant specie of Sky Bet League Two. Danny Hylton, James Collins, Luke Berry, yes I know, are all 3 examples of their calibre. A huge attendance of 6722 fans packed the Abbey determined to see a positive display and maybe even a point or three. After impressing recently, Medy Elito and Liam O'Neil started as part of a diamond equipped by Joe Dunne, the likes of George Maris, David Amoo and Jabo Ibehre settling for a place on the bench. The U's started off incredibly bright, Ikpeazu being the brutal dominant force he usually is, creating many a chances and linking up with Billy Waters ever so well. But the Luton we are ever so accustomed to tend to always break us on the counter attack. They grew into the game and although Gary Deegan especially put Luke Berry into his place, James Collins opened the deadlock with a shot which maybe could have been defended better on another day. It was coming rightly so. However, take it going into the second-half and see what happens. It took time, but having Maris, Amoo and Ibehre on the pitch, adding that creative force, worked in United's favour. Chances went from a rarity to regularly. The turning point happened when James Collins was dismissed from play. United capitalised and a pin-point cross from Brad Halliday found Jabo Ibehre who headed home to the jubilation of the United supporters. It was Cambridge's game to win now. Joe Dunne urged to attack Luton, exploiting their tiring defence. Moments after, an opportunity arose for Ibehre, he unleashed but a strong block fell to both Jevani Brown and David Amoo who were inches away from causing a mini earthquake in the Newmarket Road End I'm sure. But a draw against Luton Town is creditable and something they can learn from and take forward.
Adams Park beckoned for Joe Dunne. A difficult test which the U's more often than not go back to Cambridgeshire empty handed from this game. With the ageing, yet still impressive, Nathan Tyson alongside Adebayo Akinfenwa who just seems to improve by the year, Wycombe will be up there this season. An early injury to George Maris meant Paul Lewis was given a long-awaited chance. Overall, it was a strong away performance first-half, until poor defending allowed Akinfenwa to head home with power, advantage Wycombe. Cambridge went out in the second half and did create some chances, but Luke O'Nein was unlucky not to grab a goal, as was Tyson and Akinfenwa who kept Forde well alert. Somehow in the 93rd minute, Ikpeazu shrugged his way through 3 Wycombe defenders, playing with the ball in the air into the path of Paul Lewis who calmly slotted a half-volley through Scott Brown before running to the half-way line to a jubilant Joe Dunne and the subs bench. How many times have we seen this over the past few weeks? Passion and a never-say-die attitude. This team managed by Joe Dunne simply does not know when it is beaten. Paul Lewis grabbing his second goal for Cambridge, that's if you count a finish against Royston Town in pre-season. Can Joe Dunne get the best out of him? He certainly has with other players!A return to the Abbey Stadium for the visit of the Robins, Swindon Town was up next. Under the tutelage of former Southend boss Phil Brown, it's an incredibly tough game. Perfectly summed up from Joe Dunne, "maybe a game too far" was evident. A far too easy header from Luke Norris set Swindon on their way and all of first half Cambridge were tracked back from dangerous counter attacks, the likes of Paul Mullin, Marc Richards and Chris Hussey causing havoc. An acrobatic effort from Billy Waters was the closest United got, which they were extremely unlucky with. In the 62nd minute, more crossing from the right side of Swindon's attack found Marc Richards who, although seemed to be offside, beat David Forde. Cambridge United had a mountain to climb. The constant counter attacks and the snow wouldn't stop, it was a good game for the neutral. But on the 73rd minute after having a bit of pressure diverted, Uche Ikpeazu leaped onto a fantastic cross from David Amoo to half the deficit and give United confidence to fight and grab another goal. But this was demolished when a Halliday foul caught Swindon in the box and Marc Richards stepped up to convert and wrap proceedings. Man of the match, David Amoo. He had been on 36 minutes. Proof that United just couldn't reach high standards today. But these games happen and it's certainly been a positive spell for Joe Dunne's side. It was now a good opportunity to see how he would react, testing his character and identifying if his decisions can grab him the full-time job.
Overall, from his 8 games in charge of United, he has picked up 3 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats. 12 points out of a possible 24. Which is creditable considering who exactly United have played. In contrast to Shaun Derry's last 8 games at United, they picked up 2 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses. So a definite improvement and a step in the right direction. 7 games remain of the 2017/18 campaign, it's now time to work for next season and show real potential to kick forward. The way things seem to be going, don't bet against Joe Dunne being given time to build his own squad next season.
Credits go to The Cambridge News, the Accrington Stanley website as well as the ever-reliable club photographer Simon Lankester.
Up the U's!
Owen Mizon
Mizonowen@gmail.com
Brilliant! Great read! Enjoyed it all! Keep it up! Well done!
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