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Cambridge United’s majority owner Paul Barry releases statement following League One relegation




Cambridge United’s majority owner Paul Barry has released a statement in the wake of yesterday’s relegation.

In the statement Barry and the board took responsibility for the ‘mistakes’ that have resulted in the U’s losing their League One status, but he also insisted that the club is going down to League Two in a healthy state with Neil Harris (head coach), Mark Bonner (director of football) and Alex Tunbridge (CEO) all in situ.

The statement read: “I will keep this relatively short, as we all know what a long and difficult season it has been from pretty much the first few minutes at Stockport (2-1 defeat on opening day of the season).

The Cambridge United players acknowledge the travelling fans at Burton Albion following relegation. Picture: Ben Phillips
The Cambridge United players acknowledge the travelling fans at Burton Albion following relegation. Picture: Ben Phillips

“It doesn’t need any further public dissection. We all know the reasons, which have been much discussed, and have made this a season to forget, with relegation now confirmed.

“As owners and board, we know there are things we could have done differently and that the responsibility for any mistakes lies squarely with us.

“After recent reviews, we have taken significant steps to try to learn from them, and this has already seen a change in people, process and governance on the football side, where Neil and Mark have already made a real and very noticeable impact in a short period.

“As a collective, we will be working harder than ever over the summer to help create a winning culture and do better at every level of the club.

“The sting of relegation will take some time to pass for all of us. Whilst I recognise it is cold comfort at the moment, when it does, we can reflect that we will be returning to League Two a much stronger and very different club than when we were promoted four years ago.

“We now own the Cledara Abbey, and this week we have ‘pressed go’ internally and released the funding for the planning process on the redevelopment of the stadium. This should take around six months, and we will say more about the process in the coming weeks, when we present outline plans, before a formal consultation later in the year.

“There will also be significant extra investment into the training ground over the close season, to address some of the outstanding issues there, so we can hit the ground running for pre-season.

“The steadfast support of our existing partners and volunteers has been truly commendable. Thank you all. At the same time, we know we have a great executive team right across the club and an outstanding leader in Alex Tunbridge.

“As a club, we have deepened and enhanced our relationships right across Cambridge, building on the great work of our foundation. This is a pivotal time for the city, which presents us with a real opportunity to make the most of it.

“Taken together – and with what we believe will be a competitive budget for League Two – it does mean we are going down with a mentality to really go after this next chapter and attack it on and off the pitch. The disappointment of this season must act as fuel for the future.

“Finally, and most importantly thank you to all of you, our fans. Your unwavering support has been fantastic and has deserved much better.

“We never take it for granted – not for a second – and we will all be working tirelessly between now and the start of next season to repay it and give you more to cheer about.”



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