Cambridge United duo Matt Walker and Tom Pell heading to pastures new

Matt Walker and Tom Pell will be leaving Cambridge United this summer.

It has been announced that the duo are moving on to new clubs, and there are another two departures off the pitch.

“First and foremost we would like to sincerely thank Tom and Matt for their outstanding dedication to Cambridge United,” said U's sporting director Ben Strang.

Walker, the head of performance, has been at the U's across two spells, the most recent since 2012 and has been a driving force in the development of the sports science and medical departments.

“Matt has led our sports science provision and managed the performance department, overseeing sports science, medical and analysis,” said Strang.

“He has done an exceptional job at driving the football club on, across these disciplines.

“Matt’s attention to detail, organisational qualities and level of professionalism, as well as his empathetic yet challenging nature with the players, is what makes him a tremendous character."

Academy manager Pell has been at the Abbey Stadium for 16 years, which has involved working across the youth development and academy departments, helping the club progress in both areas of the club.

“Tom has worked with our youngest and oldest academy players, and everything in between,” said Strang.

“He’s immensely respected and well liked, not only at Cambridge United but across the academy landscape in this country.

“He has led our academy terrifically as academy manager for the past four years and developed hugely as a leader and strategic thinker.

“Naturally, both will be hard acts to follow. They have both shown enormous humility, leadership and work ethic over the years. But we can take pride from the fact that our staff are so highly regarded in the game and will be moving on to great new roles.”

He added: "Tom and Matt both know they will always be welcome at the Club. I know I speak for everyone associated with Cambridge United when I say they will leave at the end of the season with all our thanks and best wishes. We know they will continue to excel within their next roles in the game.”

Assistant academy manager Kit Brunswick is also leaving the club after nearly three years to take a role in professional e-sports, whilst hospitality sales manager Wendy Glancy is also working her final weeks after five years at the club.

“Kit has done great work in relation to safeguarding and Wendy has been brilliant at organising and hosting matchdays for years, but decided it is time for a change,” said United CEO Ian Mather.

“It is always sad when highly valued staff members move on but we have to be pleased for them as they develop their careers in exciting ways. It shows that they have been good for Cambridge United and that Cambridge United has been good for them. All have made great contributions to the Club in different ways and we wish them well.”

New CEO Alex Tunbridge has started at the Abbey Stadium today (Monday) to being a one-month handover before taking over at the end of the season from Mather, who will return to the board.