Cambridge United can today confirm former Norwich City and Aston Villa man, Mark Bunn, has been appointed as the Football Club’s permanent Goalkeeper Coach.
Following Kevin Pilkington’s departure to Barnsley in early July, Bunn has stood in on an interim basis to coach the U’s first team goalkeepers in training and on match day. Having worked previously under Colin Calderwood as a player at Northampton Town, Norwich City and Aston Villa, Bunn was brought in quickly by the U’s Head Coach last month to take up the vacant position.
The 34-year old brings experience of over 160 career appearances across all levels including the Premier League and Championship, and now embarks on his first coaching venture with United having undertaken his badges during the latter stages of his playing career.
With paperwork completed today, Mark will continue to work with first team goalkeepers Dimitar Mitov, Callum Burton and Finley Iron on a daily basis at the Inc. Training Ground, as well as overseeing the development of youth team keepers Louis Chadwick and Jonah Gill.
Enthusiastic about the next step of his career in football, Bunn commented: “I really am delighted to have been given the opportunity here. Colin, all the coaching staff and a great group of players have been extremely welcoming.
“I have known Colin a number of years now and it’s been really enjoyable to come into the Club and get started with the keepers. When I received the call and heard there was an opportunity, I was straight in the car and eager to get into it.
“The experience over the first month has been really good, although it felt very different arriving for pre-season to coach instead of playing and not be running around with the lads.”
Discussing the exciting, young potential within the U’s union of goalkeepers, Bunn added: “We have three really promising young goalkeepers here, who are hard-working and keen to learn, so I’m really excited about getting stuck into the season and working every day with them.
“Both Dimi (Dimitar Mitov) and Callum (Burton) have started really well and already set their own standards for the season. That’s already been very rewarding from a coach’s perspective and I look forward to hopefully continuing that and seeing their development progress.”
Meanwhile United Head Coach Colin Calderwood said: “I have known Mark since he himself was a young goalkeeper at Northampton. He has worked with a number of high calibre goalkeeping coaches during his playing career. This becomes the next step in his career in football and he already seems to be thoroughly enjoying it. We are delighted to have Mark on board.”
Head of Football Ben Strang concluded: “It has been a great opportunity for Mark to get to see the Club, and for the Club to see Mark work. His character compliments the make-up of our football staff really well and we’re confident he’ll be a very valuable addition. He’s driven to build the next part of his career as a goalkeeper coach and as a club we will support him in whatever way we can.”