THE build-up to Cambridge United s play-off matches against Burton Albion has been overshadowed by the news that the club has renamed its stadium. The Abbey Stadium will now be known as the Trade Recruitment Stadium after a sponsorship agreement was reach

THE build-up to Cambridge United's play-off matches against Burton Albion has been overshadowed by the news that the club has renamed its stadium.

The Abbey Stadium will now be known as the Trade Recruitment Stadium after a sponsorship agreement was reached with Trade Recruitment Ltd, a Cambridge-based recruitment agency.

Many United fans have voiced their disapproval of the deal, primarily because the amount of money the club will be receiving remains undisclosed.

However, chief executive Norman Gautrey said: "While the fans will mourn the passing of the 'Abbey Stadium', the deal will help considerably towards paying the rent, and as a consequence underpin the finances of the club."

On the pitch, United secured second place in the final Blue Square Premier table with a 2-0 win at Northwich Victoria. Both goals came from Brazilian striker Magno Vieira, who has since had his loan spell from Crawley extended to include the play-off matches.

They will now face Burton in a two legged playoff, with the winners progressing to the final at Wembley where they will take on Torquay or Exeter.

The first leg at Burton is this Friday (kick off 7.45pm), and United have already sold out their entire allocation of 1,600 tickets.

Manager Jimmy Quinn chose to rest a number of his first team regulars at Northwich, and the likes of Mark Beesley, Courtney Pitt, and Mark Albrighton are almost certain to return to the line up for Friday's game.

More than 4,000 tickets have already been purchased for the return fixture at the Abbey next Tuesday evening.

The match is all-ticket, so anyone wishing to attend should call the Cambridge United ticket office on 01223 566500 and book their place for what promises to be an intriguing contest.