The wait is over

Cambridge City FC are delighted to confirm the appointment of Mickey Spillane as First Team Manager.

Firstly the board would like to thank our supporters for your patience in waiting for this announcement. This decision has been made carefully over a period of time, reflecting the club’s ambition to progress back up the football pyramid. It was vital that we identified a manager with the right credentials, professionalism, and experience to take us there, and we believe Mickey is exactly that person.

Mickey joins us from National League South side Chelmsford City, where he has served as Assistant Manager. A former professional with Norwich City, Mickey enjoyed an excellent playing career with spells at Brentford, Southend United, Luton Town, Cambridge United, and Lowestoft Town, before making over 100 appearances for Chelmsford. His move into coaching saw him become Assistant Manager at the Clarets, where a highlight came in the 2023/24 season, finishing runners-up with a record points total for the club.

“Im extremely excited to be joining Cambridge City Football club, it’s a club with huge potential and an exciting project with a great fan base that myself and staff are looking forward to getting started.”

Mickey Spillane - Cambridge City 1st team Manager

Mickey also shares a strong connection to Cambridge, having attended school here and playing for United but perhaps more significantly having worked alongside City legend, Robbie Simpson, his former manager at Chelmsford and a familiar face to City supporters as an ex-Cambridge City player. That link brings a nice sense of continuity between City’s proud past and its next chapter.

“It took a little while to negotiate the right deal for both Mickey and the club, but we’re absolutely delighted to have got it over the line. Mickey brings professionalism, experience, and ambition, and we believe he’s the right person to take the team forward.”

Kevin Satchell - Cambridge City Chairman

“I haven’t worked with Mickey directly before, but I’m very aware of his calibre and the respect he commands in the game. I’m really looking forward to working with him and helping to build those relationships in the dressing room as we move into this next phase together.”

Jayden Randell - Cambridge City Club Captain

Mickey’s first task will be to assess the current squad, get to know the players, and start implementing his ideas on and off the pitch. The club’s ambition remains to push for the play-offs, but we’re realistic enough to know that transition takes time. Mickey will be given the support and space to put his stamp on the team and guide us in the right direction.

The club would also like to place on record its sincere thanks to Shaun Sowden and Neil Midgley for stepping in and managing the team during this interim period. Their commitment, professionalism, and support have been invaluable in keeping the squad focused and competitive while this process took place. Their final game in charge will be Tuesday evening’s away fixture at Maldon & Tiptree.

Shaun and Neil have provided a solid platform to build from, ensuring the team remains together and competitive. With Mickey now in place and the internal fit of the main stand commencing we have a clear vision for the future, there’s a real sense of excitement building around the club.

Mickey will officially take over on Thursday for his first training session with his first game being away to Witham Town on Saturday18th. A further announcement regarding Mickeys management team will follow in the coming days.

Now more than ever, we ask our supporters to get behind the team, your passion and backing make a real difference and you've shown great loyalty in the last few weeks, creating a fantastic atmosphere at home and away. There’s plenty of football still to be played this season, and with everyone pulling in the same direction, we can make the FWD-IP Community Stadium a place to be proud of.