Cambridge United supporter Ben Worman preparing for life away from the Abbey Stadium after making more than 50 appearances for the U’s

The modern-day footballer is often accused of not caring as much as supporters. After all, while clubs tend to operate somewhat of a revolving policy door when it comes to player turnover, fans are always there through thick and thin.

But Ben Worman bucks that school of thought. He has stood in the Newmarket Road End, travelled the country watching Cambridge United and celebrated with his fellow U’s at Wembley.

It just so happens that the 21-year-old has also made more than 50 appearances for his boyhood club, scored against bitter rivals Peterborough United, fired in a stunning volley at Morecambe that trended worldwide and also started in the heart of the midfield that caused a massive FA Cup shock at Newcastle United.

He has, in many ways, lived the dreams of all Cambridge supporters and while it is now time to move on after he was confirmed as being one of 10 released players, Worman is proud to have represented a club that he holds so close to his heart.

“I started in the development centre when I was seven and moved into the academy at under-8s. I watched my first first-team game around that point as well and ever since then I’ve had a real passion for the club,” he said.

“Having that in the academy, it probably gave me a little bit of an edge because I was so competitive and invested in trying to work my way through it and getting to the first team at some point.

“It was special being a fan of the club. I used to love going in the Newmarket Road End from 12 to 16. When I became a scholar it probably wasn’t suitable to do that any more!

“I’d go to away games, I did the Wembley trips and obviously when you do all of that you become a massive supporter and a fan of the club. And when you’re making it into the first team and make over 50 appearances, it’s something that is very special to me. I’ll always be a fan.

“I’ve been behind that goal in the Newmarket Road End and you do think ‘imagine being on the pitch right now and imagine scoring a goal at the Abbey in a big game’. That’s what I ended up doing. You don’t really get too much time to reflect in football because during the season it’s relentless, there is always another game just a few days away.

“But now that I've had a bit of time to reflect I can look back at those memories as some really proud moments. I’m pleased that I made those memories at the club.”

Waterbeach-raised Worman had known for a while that this was likely to be his last season with the club.

He made 13 Sky Bet League One appearances during the 2021/22 campaign and had his sights set on a loan move in the summer, but nothing materialised. Worman did not make the matchday squad for 12 of the opening 13 matches last term and while he eventually forced his way back into the reckoning to earn a further 15 league outings, the last time he completed 90 minutes was back in late January during the 0-0 draw at Lincoln City.

The season ended how it started with Worman not even able to get a place on the bench, and so the writing was very much on the wall.

It actually softened the blow of having to leave a club that he has been so closely affiliated to for 14 years. Had Worman been a regular in the squad throughout the season, even just getting minutes as a substitute, then the decision to leave may have been harder. But, given the circumstances, his thought process is clear.

The former Waterbeach Primary School and Cottenham Village College pupil added: “Regardless of what was offered or not, there was a choice for me to make because the last couple of seasons I’ve accumulated a similar amount of appearances.

“I’ve been a bit in and out and I’ve come to a time now where searching for consistent game time and regular opportunities, that’s what I need in my career.

“I’ll be 22 this summer so trying to find a team where I can establish myself and where I’m going to play regularly is probably best for me.

“One thing I don’t have is any regrets. I always give 100 per cent every day in training and every game that I got given. There are definitely not any regrets over my whole time at Cambridge.

“I’d have liked more game time but then everyone is going to say that. Everyone wants to be playing and obviously only 11 can start each game. I probably missed out on a few opportunities I could have been given, but that’s football.

“Every time I did play I tried to give a good account of myself and that’s something I can look back on and feel that I did.”

What the future currently has in store is unclear. With some decent League One experience under his belt and an enviable left-footed delivery as part of his armoury, there are bound to be plenty of offers.

Yet Worman is also acutely aware that he may have to drop down a level or two to establish himself.

“I’ll be very open to what comes up and assess all of the options,” he said.

“First-team football is definitely the priority and getting a good opportunity, but above that, you have to work hard for those opportunities.

“Wherever I go and wherever I end up I’ll be making sure I do everything to work my way into the team and make the most of every opportunity I’m given.

“I don’t just expect it to come my way. I’m ready to work hard to make sure I get the game time I’m looking for.”

And there will also be an intriguing glance at how the situation unfolds at the club that he is leaving behind.

It is a big summer of change at Cambridge in terms of recruitment but Worman is confident that it will be a success – and he may even make a return to his old spot in the Newmarket Road End!

“It’s obviously going to be a massive summer. There’s a big core of players that are moving on so a lot of players are going to need to be recruited,” he said.

“But the club holds a good philosophy and they’ll always try to sign the right players and the right characters. They’ve done that the last few seasons and that has given us success so I’m sure they’ll try and recruit properly.

“Hopefully they’ll get the right players in because I’ll certainly be tracking the team’s results. I’d love to go back and watch when I get a chance.”