Cambridge United board give support to head coach Garry Monk and promise ‘additional funds’ for January transfer window
The Cambridge United board have thrown their support behind head coach Garry Monk.
Speculation surrounding Monk’s future grew at the weekend following the 1-0 home defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Bristol Rovers – a result that made it one win from 14 outings in all competitions for the second-from-bottom U’s, who are eight points from safety in League One.
However, following a period of reflection, the club believe that Monk has been hamstrung by an extensive injury list – and they have backed the 45-year-old to turn things around with the release of some ‘additional funds’ to bolster his squad during the January transfer window.
A board statement read: “Firstly, we would like to wish everyone connected with Cambridge United a Happy New Year and thank all our staff and volunteers for their hard work over the festive period.
“We are acutely aware of how disappointing it has been on the pitch as of late and are very grateful for the unwavering support of our fans.
“We have been reflecting on the moment we now find ourselves in and how to chart the best way forward. We believe we have a good head coach in Garry, and that the injuries we have suffered throughout the season have meant he has struggled to field anywhere near a fully fit squad on a weekly basis.
“Consequently, a small squad with one of the lowest budgets in the league has been very stretched and several players have had to play far more football than anticipated, without any real opportunity for rotation or recovery.
“We all recognise what a debt we owe to Paul (Barry) and Mark (Green) as our owners and are very grateful that at a time of considerable financial pressures across the club, they will be releasing additional funds to enable us to strengthen the squad in a number of key areas this January, whilst understanding the challenges that always come with this window.
“Although we are not where we would want to be to begin 2025, it is our belief that under Garry, with a strengthened squad, we can still achieve our collective goals. It is also clear to us that the players are still very much behind and playing for Garry, which is always a key factor when making these decisions.
“At the same time, we will shortly be concluding our own internal review of the club’s first-team football operations. Balancing speed and thoroughness, so we can all learn and then act on the relevant lessons for next season is a priority.
“We know we are in a real fight to preserve our League One status. There is still half the season remaining and a lot of football to be played. We have been here before and know from experience that a lot can change quickly.
“United in Endeavour, we are ready to give it everything for the rest of the season.”
United’s bid for survival continues on Saturday (11 January) when they travel to face Blackpool.
