Former Cambridge United goalkeeper John Vaughan, a legend of the club's most successful era, has died at the age of 62. Supporters will pay their respects ahead of Saturday's home match against Plymouth Argyle, with a memorial tribute area set up outside the Cledara Abbey Stadium.

Vaughan, nicknamed 'The Legend' by fans, made 231 appearances for the U's between 1988 and 1993. He was a cornerstone of the side that achieved back-to-back promotions from Division Four to Division Two under manager John Beck. His debut on September 6, 1988, was marked by a clean sheet in a 1-0 home win over Stockport, and he famously set up a goal within 35 seconds of a home game against Carlisle.

His performances earned him player of the year awards from both the Cambridge Evening News and his fellow professionals. Beck once said of a remarkable Vaughan save, "You can talk about your Gordon Banks save against Pele, but that goes down for me as the save of the century." Vaughan was released after five exceptional seasons, later winning the Third Division title with Preston North End in 1996.

Post-Playing Career and Legacy

After retiring, Vaughan built a respected career as a goalkeeping coach. He worked at clubs including York City, Macclesfield Town, Grimsby Town, Huddersfield Town, Birmingham City, Barnsley and Bradford City. Since 2022, he had served as Sheffield United's head of academy goalkeeping. Huddersfield Town said they were 'saddened' by the news, while Bradford City sent their thoughts to 'John's family and loved ones at this devastating time'.

A Fitting Tribute

Cambridge United, currently enjoying a strong season sitting 4th in League One with 20 points from 11 games, will honour Vaughan's memory this weekend. The team is unbeaten in its last five matches, a run of form that reads DWWWD. They host 5th-placed Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, October 24, in a key fixture at the top of the standings. A memorial area will be located outside the stadium on Newmarket Road for fans to leave tributes.

Reflecting on a challenging period during his playing days, Vaughan once recalled, "It was a nightmare. Men against boys, literally, because we had four or five teenagers in the side due to injuries." The club's next home game provides a poignant moment for the full squad and supporters to remember a true club icon. The memorial tribute will be in place from Saturday morning.

More detail at cambridgeunited.com