The 2010–11 season was the 98th full season in the history of Cambridge United. They competed in the Conference National, finishing 17th of 24, along with various cup competitions. After relegation from the Football League in 2005, where the club had enjoyed a 35-year stay, the club were hopeful of ending their six-year spell in non-league football following a season of consolidation under manager Martin Ling, who had taken over a club that had reached two successive play-off finals, but had lost both and was in disarray off the pitch.