Richard Money to take charge of U's restructured football department
CAMBRIDGE United are pleased to announce that Richard Money will continue his tenure at the club for a further three years at the helm of a newly structured first team coaching set-up, as the club looks to continue the progression made on the field during the last two seasons.
Money has signed a contract that extends his time in charge at the Abbey Stadium until the end of the 2017/2018 season as the Football Manager, a position that differs from the Head Coach role previously undertaken by the 59-year old.
As well as continuing his duties in charge of the first team at the U's, Money's responsibilities will also include the management of first team football staff and the recruitment process, roles previously in the remit of the Director of Football, and therefore indicating the club's faith in his ability to play an enhanced role in shaping the future of the U's.
In addition to Money signing a new contract, the club has also moved to appoint a highly experienced Assistant Manager to work alongside Richard in his new role, with former Colchester United Manager Joe Dunne joining the club.
Having accumulated over 280 appearances during a playing career that included spells with Gillingham and Colchester United, as well as a two year stint in charge of the latter between 2012 and 2014, the former defender brings with him a wealth of knowledge from an involvement in the game for the last 25 years. Dunne was also intrinsically involved in the development of young players with various roles within Colchester United's academy and spent three spells as an assistant manager.
Dunne joins a revamped first team coaching structure that will also see Matt Walker assume the role of Head of Performance, taking charge of the potential physical optimisation of all senior players through the Sports Science, Medical and enhanced Analysis departments.
Mark Bonner will complete his duties as Academy Manager this summer, having the led the club through the EPPP audit process with great distinction, to play a more practical role on the training field with our full-time professionals and development players. He will be responsible for the individual development of each player, working in tandem with Money and Dunne on a daily basis. The club are also delighted that Richard Meek will join the club in June and take up the vacant position left by Bonner, with an announcement regarding changes in academy staff set to be released in due course.
Finally, as part of the restructure, the club have regrettably parted company with assistant coach, Alan Neilson. We thank Alan for his contribution since joining the club in January 2014 and wish him every success in the future.
The coaching re-structure is the result of a thorough review conducted by Cambridge United Chief Executive Officer Jez George following confirmation of the U's Football League status in April, who has acted on behalf of the board in analysing the roles and responsibilities of all staff across the club.
United have already made clear that a large quantity of changes will be made to the playing squad ahead of the 2015/16 season, as indicated by the news earlier this week regarding the release of 13 players and a further five being made available for transfer.
The club therefore feels this latest announcement is a further step towards the development and progression of Cambridge United on and off the field, as they sight their sights firmly on challenging for a top seven finish in League Two next season.
Commenting on the review and the restructure, CEO Jez George said, "It was crucial that we made calm, considered decisions after reviewing all the facts across the whole spectrum of the football operation and having assessed the greater demands of League Two.
"We apologise to our supporters for any speculation that has been caused as a result, but we will always conduct this process privately and professionally. The club will never comment publicly on negotiations regarding staff or player contracts until we have reached a resolution.
"We believe these appointments and Richard's extended responsibilities, will genuinely strengthen the football department in the years to come.
"Richard has an excellent track record in building a team, as demonstrated here two years ago, and we now embark on that process again satisfied that we have the right structures in place to be successful moving forward.
"I will continue to work closely with Richard but with redefined roles as CEO and Manager, rather than Director of Football and Head Coach. We have both identified that the roles of CEO and Head Coach are not compatible, hence the reason for the restructure."
Jez also explained the appointment of Joe Dunne, saying: "Joe will be a big asset for the club and has absolutely the right attributes and qualities for this role. He will add experience and knowledge to our group of staff and fits in perfectly with our philosophy and way of working. In addition, Matt Walker and Mark Bonner will now be able to make an even greater contribution by being solely focused on first team matters, having both played a huge role in the development of our academy."
Reaction from U's manager Richard Money and newly appointed assistant manager Joe Dunne will follow on www.cambridge-united.co.uk.