By Daniel Baker
Cambridge United hero Josh Coulson is hoping to make more memories in his eagerly awaited testimonial against Tottenham Hotspur’s under-23’s on Friday night.
The 28-year-old is celebrating 10 years in the first team set-up after making his debut for the U’s in 2007 in a 2-2 draw with Halifax.
The defender was also a youth player at Cambridge City and a regular for the Cherry Hinton Lions when he was younger.
Despite missing much of last season through injury, he was given a new contract at the back-end of 2016.
Coulson said: “I was at Cambridge City and I got moved over to Cambridge United. I was absolutely delighted as I watched them as a boy.
“It’s something I’m really proud of. The 10 years have gone quite quickly, but I’ve enjoyed every minute and the highs and the lows and obviously we’ve had some great highs.”
Coulson made his first team debut for the club when they were in the Conference (now the National League) and was a part of the side that beat Gateshead to secure a Football League return in 2014.
The defender has made more than 250 appearances for the U’s and has been getting back into the swing of things with appearances throughout pre-season.
He added: “The good times are something I’m really proud of. In these 10 years, it’s just got better and better and it will keep growing and keep getting better.
“We were a couple of games away from getting relegated from the Conference which probably would have ended the club so to be sat here now 10 years on as a League 2 player for Cambridge United is brilliant.
“The one that sticks out for me is the first goal back in the Football League. It was Plymouth at home, we won 1-0 and I got the goal. I don’t think I could have written it any better.
“It’s a massive honour to play for Cambridge United and words can’t describe it.”
Coulson described his personal highlights as being promotion to the Football League, winning the FA Trophy, the FA Cup matches with Manchester United and individual games such as a game away at Grimsby when he scored a goal which saw them grab a valuable point.
He also explained that Tottenham were chosen for the friendly because they are a team he and his dad also follow as well as the U’s.
He said: “I’m excited. It should be good.
“Hopefully many people will turn out and we’ll put on a good game for them.
“It’s going to be emotional I think. I’ll be walking out with my little boy which will be emotional in itself.”
Kick off at the Cambs Glass is at 7.45pm.