After two spells in caretaker charge, Mark Bonner was named the permanent head coach for Cambridge United in March 2020.
While he was named head coach before the end of the 2019/20 season, he would not coach his first official game as permanent head coach of the U’s until the following season due to the COVID pandemic ending the Sky Bet League Two season early.
In September 2020 and January 2021, Bonner was named League Two Manager of the Month en route to Cambridge United earning automatic promotion to Sky Bet League One for the first time since 2002. While it is beginning to become increasingly common amongst younger head coaches and managers in today’s game, Bonner never played football professionally.
Just over 10 days ago, Bonner helped Cambridge United take one of the biggest wins in recent memory for the U’s, as they defeated Newcastle United in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup away at St. James Park.
Head Coach Mark Bonner has been speaking to the media…
On winning the previous three games in three different competitions:
“It’s been some seven days for us, and I think the most pleasing thing is when the first game was what it was – the Newcastle game, to respond in the way we have; to work like we have; the boys are shot onto their feet really. It’s been a heavy schedule for us, but that continues now. We have to try and continue the momentum and the development of the team because that’s a big confidence booster for us these seven days. Three clean sheets; three results; three competitions…and some real highlights in there as well.”
On match against Rovers:
“I don’t think we’re ever anything other than an underdog, and if we start thinking we are, we’re in trouble.
“We are new boys at the level, trying to show we can remain here and sustain our position here, and win games.
“We played Doncaster earlier in the season, and saw what a tough game that was, it was 1-1 that day.
“I understand their position at the moment, but since the change of manager, I’ve watched their last few games, and they ran Wigan really close at the weekend. They’ve had some tough games, and they’re right in the games.
“Of course, there’s an underbelly maybe of a lack of confidence in their team. If things aren’t going well, you have to try and capitalise on that.”