Cambridge in limbo as Ling leaves
Posted by sgmboro on 04/08/2009
Cambridge United are again on the lookout for another manager after Martin Ling left his position by mutual consent, just 9 days into the job. Cambridge released a statement at 2.00pm on Tuesday afternoon stating irreconcilable differences between Ling and chairman George Rolls as the reason why the former Leyton Orient manager has departed the club. Quite unbelieveable considering Ling only became the U’s boss the weekend before last!
If Cambridge fans thought things couldn’t get more embarrassing, they have done. Major shareholders are now calling for George Rolls to step down from his position as chairman. Paul Barry has commented on the official Cambridge website.
“Events of the last week have shocked and dismayed me and led me to ask George Rolls to resign as Chairman of the football club on Monday. I am publicly reiterating that call today. I fully support the CFU statement made earlier.” Paul Barry – major shareholder at CUFC
The CFU statement reads much the same. They are clearly furious that a well respected manager who was thought by many to be an ideal replacement for Gary Brabin has left due to problems with the Chairman. Rolls’ future at the club cannot be healthy and I’d expect him to leave sooner rather than later. I can’t imagine he has to many allies within the club to make him stay in his position any longer.
So who will be Ling’s replacement at the Abbey Stadium?
Dino Maamria was linked with the Cambridge post previous to it being given to Ling. I assume if Rolls has anything to do with it, the new manager will be a ‘yes’ man and may have to accept being given a limited budget to work to. That was apparently the main reason why Brabin quit. I don’t know the exact reasons for Ling’s departure due to both parties agreeing not to make any further statements, but I guess they are similar. It’s certainly interesting times for the Cambridge players and supporters. With just 4 days remaining until the opening day of the new Blue Square Premier season, last season’s beaten play-off finalists have no manager.
Elsewhere in the Conference and Mansfield Town have named Gary Mills as their new Captain. Quite a surprising choice considering Mills’ average season at Broadhall Way last year. I was quite critical of Mills last season, but to be fair to him he did seem to make some improvement as the season went on. However, I didn’t think he would be good enough to get a starting place let alone be captain material at Field Mill this season.
“I was surprised and a bit shocked but happy all the same. The gaffer said my age and what I had been through in my career were the factors. I have experienced good times and bad times and there is not much I haven’t seen.” Mills on the captaincy at Mansfield.
Lastly, Soccerlens.com have done a Blue Square Premier Review on their website. It’s quite a good read so here’s the link to check it out.
