Cambridge United part company with head coach Mark Bonner following last night’s defeat to Lincoln City

Cambridge United have parted company with head coach Mark Bonner.

The board has taken the decision in the wake of last night’s 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Lincoln City – a result that extended United’s run of form to just one victory from their previous 13 Sky Bet League One outings.

It brings an end to a memorable reign for boyhood U’s fan Bonner, who after being appointed on a permanent basis in January 2020, went on to guide the club to promotion to the third tier of English football alongside a famous Emirates FA Cup victory at Premier League side Newcastle United.

Speaking after the loss to Lincoln, Bonner, who only signed a new contract in September, expressed his confidence that he would be able to turn results around, but the club has opted to go in a different direction.

Majority owner Paul Barry said in a statement: “I want to start by simply saying this - Mark Bonner will rightly go down as one of the most important people in the history of Cambridge United Football Club.

“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.

“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.

“Given our recent performances and results, we all feel – owners and board – that this is the right moment to part company with Mark, with huge respect, admiration and acknowledgement for all we have achieved together.

“We will now consider the right appointment for the club at this stage of our development. In the meantime, Barry Corr, working with Kevin Betsy will have responsibility for the first team squad.”

More to follow.