Former striker Barry Corr makes return to Cambridge United

Barry Corr has returned to Cambridge United.

The 34-year-old former striker has become development coach at the U’s.

Corr left the Abbey Stadium in January at the end of a six-month contract having struggled with injuries, but will make a return aimed at developing the talent at the club.

In his new position, Corr will manage the transition of young professionals who have made the step up from the club’s youth team into the senior set-up to ensure they continue to make the necessary developments.

Corr will report in to academy manager Tom Pell, while working daily with head coach Colin Calderwood and assistant head coach Mark Bonner. He will also be the conduit between Pell, the first-team staff and youth team coach Jimmy Unwin.

“I'm delighted to be back at the club and excited about taking on this new role,” said Corr.

"Having initially started my coaching badges over eight years ago, completing them last year with my UEFA A licence as well as studying for a degree in psychology during that time - it feels like a culmination of all that work to reach this stage.

"I hope to add value to the club's excellent group of coaching staff across both the first team and academy and look forward to working with Cambridge United's talented young players."

During his playing spell with the U’s last season, Corr worked with the academy and shadow academy squads.

It means that he will bring good knowledge of the club’s philosophy to his position as development coach.

Ben Strang, the U’s head of football, said: "We identified some time ago that there was a real need for this position.

“Essentially this role is directly responsible for a group of players who up until now, haven't always had the level of attention required. That isn't a criticism of anybody, but merely reality that Colin's and Mark's time is rightly filled by working with a group of first team players and preparing them to win football matches; whilst Jimmy's role brings a wealth of responsibility and time dedicated to the scholars' welfare, development, education and so on.

“Often it is the group in between the two entities that suffer as a consequence.

"As a club we don't operate an under-23 squad or reserve team, so the gap between a youth team and first team player is a substantial one.

“Barry will work with our young players around individual work, additional training sessions, and analysis; and will be responsible for overseeing their development when out on loan.

“We recognise that this is a vital role for us moving forwards in aiding our aspiration of increasing the exposure of academy products in our first team.

“Barry's character is exactly what is needed and he has a genuine affinity with the club. The fact he finished playing so recently and understands our dressing room environment is hugely important and will be a key asset.

“He has worked hard in the last few years to gain his coaching qualifications, worked in the academy last season and is committed to making a big impact in this role."