Ian Mather sets out foundations for Cambridge United's future

Ian Mather has outlined the five pillars that will underpin Cambridge United going forward.

He was announced as the new interim chief executive two weeks ago, and spoke to the media last week to outline his role at the U’s.

Central to that will be creating aims and objectives off the pitch to make sure that the club is set up as well as possible to succeed.

The five pillars were broken down as being a sustainable club, the academy, community engagement, a new stadium and interaction with supporters.

“The first pillar is being a sustainable club, that’s well run and well managed,” said Mather.

“In harsh terms, what does that mean? It means that we are going to be here next season, the season after that, the season after that.

“We’re not going to be Bolton, Bury or Notts County – all of whom have had significant problems, and others. Working within our means but achieving the best we can.

“No 2 is to continue with our academy so that we can produce talented players that’s for our team but also as a means of generating revenue by selling good players.

“Developing and selling them is an acknowledged model in football so we’re committed to our academy.

“The third thing is being engaged with the community, not only through the Community Trust but also with players going out there and engaging with the community.

“Being embedded within the community.

“The fourth is the stadium – to play in a purpose-built stadium within this area that would be available for future generations of Cambridge United’s to go and cheer.

“The last is to have best in class engagement with fans and we’ve already made movement in that this year – we’ve got the Cambridge United supporters’ panel, which had its first meeting last month.”