Mark Bonner: Cambridge United sack head coach after almost four years in charge

Cambridge United have sacked head coach Mark Bonner following Tuesday’s 3-0 home defeat by Lincoln City.

The U’s only escaped relegation on the final day of last season and are currently 18th in League One.

Cambridge-born Bonner, 38, was appointed in January 2020, initially as interim boss, and agreed a new “long-term” contract in September.

The U’s are the seventh third-tier team to change managers this season – and 21st in the English Football League.

Owner Paul Barry said Bonner would go down as “one of the most important people in the history of Cambridge United”.

“All of us – owners, board, staff, players and fans – know how lucky we have been to have him and how hard this decision has been,” Barry added.

“Cambridge United has made huge strides on and off the pitch over the last five years and Mark has been instrumental in building our strong foundations for the future, creating special memories and moments for all of us along the way – most notably promotion during lockdown, Newcastle away in the FA Cup and the great escape last season.

“He has done it through his leadership and energy, his talent as a coach, his natural communication and empathy, and his desire to push the club forward on and off the pitch as someone born and brought up in Cambridge, who genuinely cares about our city and its communities.

“But in football, sometimes you do have to make decisions you believe are right for the long-term future of the club – difficult though they can sometimes be.”