Welcome to Through the Turnstile, this series of features are intended to shine the light on some of non-leagues leading stars. This time we are venturing through the turnstile looking at Cranfield United.

A brief history of the Club

Cranfield United Football Club was established in 1903. After World War I, the club played in the Bedford and District League, moving to the North Bucks & District Football League in 1930. In 1949, they joined Division 2b of the South Midlands League, winning the division in their first attempt and earning promotion to Division One. They were promoted to the Premier Division in the 1952–53 season as runners-up but were relegated back to Division One in the 1955–56 season. Three seasons later, they were relegated again to the Bedford and District League.

The club rejoined the South Midlands League in the 1976–77 season, starting in Division One, where they stayed until the end of the 1995–96 season, except for a brief stint in the Premier Division from 1985 to 1986. In 1996, they left the league but returned in 2001, joining Division Two of the Spartan South Midlands Football League. Four seasons later, they were promoted to Division One.

In the 2009–10 season, Cranfield United played in the FA Cup for the first time, losing 3–1 to Crawley Green in the extra preliminary qualifying round.

At the end of the 2012–13 season, Cranfield United resigned from the Spartan South Midlands League and entered Division Two of the Bedfordshire County League with their reserve team. By the end of the 2014–15 season, Cranfield United’s first team won the Bedfordshire County Football League Division One, earning promotion to the Premiership Division for the 2015–16 season. Meanwhile, their reserve team won the Bedfordshire League Division Three, and for the 2015–16 season, they competed in Division Two.

Moving into this upcoming season, Cranfield are looking to push on and make their mark in the promotion race under the leadership of former player Jason Goldman who returns to the dugout for another season with the club.

(Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cranfield_United_F.C.)

Club legends (as told by fan Robbo)

Our chairman, Stewart Perrin is definitely one for me. The amount he has done and still does for the club is unparalleled. He has been involved with the club nearly all of his life and since becoming chairman, he has been at the ground almost every day for the last 6 years, making sure everything is running smoothly and the players get the best playing experience possible.

Secondly, I would say Rob lindsay, our reserve team captain. Another who has been involved with the club for over a decade, and although injuries have plagued him for a lot of games over the last couple of seasons, he still comes down every week to support the lads and help the coaching and management staff in any way he can. Both of these people are true club men and they are a perfect example of the kind of people a football club should have in their corner.

Kit

2024/2025 – Replica Kit

Currently unavailable to purchase but plans to change that are in motion.

Stadium info

Crawley Road (MK43 0AA)
Capacity 2000 – (💺50)
Number of stands – 1
Grass Pitch

As you can see from the photos above, the pitch itself is in excellent condition and especially so for this level. It is an absolute beaut of a pitch and credit to Wes the groundsman for the terrific work he has done on it.

Cranfield are the evny of not only the teams in their current league but many others around them, it is a gem of a pitch and the supporting facilities are top draw.

Entry Price

Matchday Tickets
Adult – £5
Concessions (Over 65) – £3
U16’s – Free

Matchday Programme
FREE (online)

Stadium Shop

The club does not currently have a club shop either physical or online, but there is work going on behind the scenes to change this. The plan is to have some merchandise available to purchase at the ground with an online store a bit further down the line, a key sign the club is looking to kick on and grow.

Itssssss pin badge corner and I am sad to report there is currently no pin badge to showcase to you all, but as part of the future plans and due to high demand, they are on the way!

Drinks

This smart bar area inside the stadium is the hub of the club, the area in which fans come before, during and after the game. Alongside this the players of both teams come together after each game and eat alongside their fans. Presentation evenings and other themed nights throughout the year also take place here, making it a well-used area of the club.

And with plenty of seats, tables and TVs you can see why many decide to come down and make the most of the facilities!

Food

Just when you thought non-league football couldnt get any better, it does.

Inside of the stadium Cranfield United have a chinese takeaway, so you can not only enjoy a pint pitchside but you can also enjoy a halftime chinese = winning!

Go on – why not have a little look at the menu while you are here…! https://www.orderchinese.co.uk/takeaway-uncle-lims-cranfield/

Now lets all gather round and take a peek at the only league table that matters…maybe.

Now as you can see Cranfield Utd are definitley a team/ground to visit if you are feeling particularly thirsty as they offer some of the cheapest drinks so far!

I know they also offer Burger and Chips, but lets be honest which of you reading this is fancying a burger and chips over the possibility of a matchday chinese… come on!

All in all, a real value for money day out that should be on the list for you to visit!

Special mention

Now this could be a rather biased section so I apologise in advance! Now one thing that can help to set some non-league clubs apart from the others is the online presence and services they offer online.

Now one service Cranfield United offer is all of their games are recorded and a highlight package is put together and posted on to their YouTube channel.

Why is this biased I heard you ask?

Well the highlights are edited by myself. I have a personal passion for video editing and obviously a passion for football, I therefore reached out and volunteered to take on creating a YouTube channel and putting together these highlights to hopefully help reach more fans and increase the clubs overall awareness.

Top Current players (as told by fan Pask)

Leo cimmino – because he is a total game changer and game winner with the vision of a sniper also can whip a beautiful ball in

Kyle Johnson – as a defender he is quick and strong for a young man , and he wins 90% of his duals and is calm on the ball , bright future for him

Tim young – A player who hardly ever gives the ball away and has a great engine on him , never afraid of a challenge and wins a lot of them , never ever moans , again a bright future ahead for him and the other 2 players and they are all 3 cranfield youngest players.

———————————————————————————————-

Views from the Staff

Q) What is the biggest misconception about this level of football ?
That pitches are poor and the standard of football is poor. The league is really competitive and pitches for the most part are very good nowadays. Another misconception is that every team pays something… lots do for sure but there are plenty like us that don’t have a budget!

Q) What was your interest in becoming manager of Cranfield?
Played at the club at the end of my playing time and really liked the club and the people involved. Played most of my playing career at Olney Town FC and loved my time there, feel that Cranfield is the club I’ve been involved with that is most similar. A real village feel to it with people giving up their time to give something else to the community.

Q) What is the proudest moment since you have been with the club?
It’s been a pretty short time (12months) but I guess the fact that we managed to put together a whole new squad to compete in a new league. Lots of the boys hadn’t played regularly at the level so it was great to hold our own this season and finish in the top half of the table.

Q) What is the most difficult element to deal with as a manager of non-league?
Managing my time and not letting it take over my life. Nonleague management can feel like a full time job at times, especially if you are going through a rough patch on the pitch. Being able to switch off and not let football take over all of your spare time can be difficult.

Q) If you could change one thing about non-league football what would it be?
More respect given from the professional game. Filter more resources, funding, opportunities down the pyramid to the lower levels. It’s happening slowly but there are so many hoops clubs have to jump through to progress (eg ground grading, gaining funding), just make it all easier and more accessible for clubs. Most people are volunteers and they don’t have the time to do everything required!

Q) Why should someone give a Cranfield match a go ?
I’d like to say the style of football we try to play is good to watch, there’s usually a few goals to be seen anyway! Failing that if we are at home there is a great bar, fantastic Chinese and a lovely kebab van to invest in whilst you don’t enjoy the game!!

Q) Describe what Cranfield is like as a club?
Cranfield Utd FC is a fantastic village grassroots club. Our facilities are some of the best in the county. Also we have a welcoming clubhouse open to everyone. A great place for Beer, Chinese and kebab lovers.

Q) What is the one thing that sets Cranfield apart from other teams?
Where else could you play football on a great pitch, train on a state of the art astro, be given the very best kit and equipment, be trained by uefa qualified coaches , eat a pork chow mein and a large mixed kebab. All washed down with a few Estrella’s. And get a pack of pork scratchings for the walk home ! And they wash your kit. It ain’t the premier league but it’s close.

Q) Your pet hate about peoples opinion on non-league football?
Most people who have a negative opinion of grass roots football have never volunteered 5 minutes of their life to any cause. Not worth talking about.

Q) Why should more people come down to support Cranfield?
How many reasons are there to come down to support Cranfield. We have a south mids first team ,county league reserves and a fantastic bunch of ladies who play on Sundays. You can eat (loads) drink (a bit) watch the football either outside or on the big screens and we even sell Christmas trees in December. It’s like Real Bedford, tavistock street and frosts garden centre all rolled into one !!!!

Q) What does the future of Cranfield look like in your eyes?
The future looks good, hopefully a positive season for all on the pitch and if we can get a southern fried chicken outlet and moretti on tap I will be over the moon.s

Q) This will be your last season at that club, what made you commit to 12 years of working for Cranfield United and what will you miss the most?
I started managing Cranfield Colts Under 13s in 2011, when the previous manager stepped down, to enable the young lads to continue playing football, and stayed in this role for 6 years up to the end of their Under 18s season. My son Jack played throughout this time and started with the Cranes when he was 16, and when I finished my last season with the Colts, I took over managing the mighty Cranfield United Reserves, as they’d helped and supported Jack to get his scholarship to study in the States. I’ll miss the whole excitement of match day, albeit stressful at times, and just the general sense of pride of managing my local side and giving it large in the dressing room when we win – with UTFCs!

Q) How much have you enjoyed your time?
I’ve absolutely loved my time managing the mighty Ressies. It’s been tough at times, when we only had a bare 11 or 12, although some of those games were incredibly rewarding and successful. The last three years have been transformational, as we’ve sought to introduce a much younger set of players and seeing them develop and grow has been immensely enjoyable, with the support of some of the older and more experienced lads.

Q) Proudest moment to date?
Quite simple this one – winning the League Cup this season at Biggleswade United against a very tough Buffs side in front of a big crowd. Our very young side absolutely played them off the park, with some exceptional football – my favourite photo is attached of four young lads celebrating with the Cup after the game, and then to round of a great season we’ve been promoted to the Beds County Prem, which is where it ends for me, and I wish Richard and the team all the best for success going forward.

Q) Cranfield United as a club is..
Simply a pleasure to be involved with – the facilities and pitch are second to none, as well at it being a decent club, we’ve got the best Chinese with Uncle Lims and the best kebab van in the area, as well as lots of screens showing live football, and a very supportive Chairman who’s really put in the hours to help the club be successful. Our coaching staff has also really developed, albeit I’ve seen several changes of First team managers over the years!

Q) Why should more people support non league football?
There should definitely be more support for local grass roots football. It’s very competitive and showcases some great talent and football – albeit on a variety of different playing surfaces and sizes! I’m also proud to still be the Chairman of the Bedfordshire Youth Saturday League, which enables over 2,000 young lads every year to play football and enable them to hopefully make the transition into adult football.

View from the fans

Q) Why Cranfield United, what makes you keep coming back?
Because my son Leo Cimmino plays for them plus I’m really good friends with the manager Richard manning

Q) What is a matchday like at Cranfield?
Match day is abit stressful not gonna lie but only because I am a bad loser haha

Q) Is a match value for money?
⁠It definitely is value for money, I mean would pay anything to watch my boy play of course, but apart from him we have a great squad rapport and great interaction with the management team.

Q) What is non-league football to you?
Non-league football for me is players enjoying their football and being part of a squad of players. Plus working together as a unit.

Q) Why should people give a matchday a go over other clubs nearby?
Because cranfield facilities are 2nd to none , the pitch is awesome and the club house has it all , unlike most teams it not just a field, I think cranfield Utd have the best facilities and ground in the league

Q) Current favourite player?
A) It’s hard to pick a favourite as I have so many, but my stand out player I’ve really enjoyed watching this season would be Flynn Baker-Bond. His improvement from the start to the end of this season has been incredible to watch.

Q) Is a Cranfield matchday value for money?
A) 100%. The first team rejoined the South Midlands league this season with a brand new managing team and set of players, and we play a great brand of football. With only one of our home matches finishing as a 0-0 draw this season, if you are a neutral who likes to go around ground hopping, you’ll definitely be getting your money’s worth in goals.

Q) Why do you keep coming back?
A) I’ve lived in cranfield most of my life and have been watching each team play for a good number of years now. I love the sense of community the club as a whole brings, it’s not just focused on football but the clubhouse puts on events to get the community together and have a great time. The people that work behind the scenes also do an incredible job, with a special shout out to the groundsman wes, who in my opinion, makes sure we have the best pitch in the league.

Q) Why should others give Cranfield a go?
A) As I’ve said already, the club plays a great brand of football between all of our teams, so you’re always sure to watch a great game with goals 99.9% guaranteed. The Chinese restaurant inside the clubhouse is pretty great too!

Q) Best thing about non-league football?
A) For me, I’d say it’s a mix of community and pricing. As most of the players are from the same village or surrounding area, both the fans and players for the most part all know each other, so it feels like everyone (fans, players and staff), are all part of the team. The affordability is great and also not having to book weeks or months in advance to see your team play is also a massive bonus. It’s a lot easier to grab some friends and go to watch a game which for me, is more enjoyable than either traveling hours to stand for more hours in a queue to watch a game or even just watching a game on tv, and the quality of football is really good to watch as well.

Q) Best moment as a fan of Cranfield?
A) Probably one of, if not the best moment for me was watching our reserve team play in the centenary cup final this season. The opposing team brought 2 coach loads of fans who were hounding our players all game. There was no feeling better than cheering and seeing their faces when we scored a 94th minute winner to take the cup home.

Future plans as told by Jason Goldman 1st Team Manager

Our clubs 5 year plan is to become a South-mids premier side, that is main focus and aim of everyone involved in the club moving forward.

Stadium – we are llooking to continually improve as we go through the levels. We are investigating the possibility of a new stand and dugouts with a standing area behind one of the goals.

Academy – Our first team are currently not linked to our younger colts set up, we would like to join up within the next 12months to improve the pathway to senior football. U18s joining floodlit league this season for the first time in association with Leon Barnett Football Academy which runs from the FA centre next door.

Recruitment – Always difficult with so many good teams in the local area. We tend to target young developing players who are looking to progress through the leagues as they mature.

———————————————————————————————–
So that brings us to the end yet another ‘Through the Turnstile’. Cranfield United are a team which have their sights set on the future and know how they want to get there and what they want to do when they do.

The club already have the facilities to be able to cater and thrive in a higher league and the hope is that this season they see the success on the pitch which would mean that they would be able to test themselves in a higher league for the 2025/2026 season. The future is bright, the future is Cranfield.

Now where is that chinese menu again?