Cambridge United can confirm that Goalkeeper Coach Kevin Pilkington today leaves the Football Club and has been headhunted by Championship side Barnsley F.C.
The former shot stopper in Manchester United's Class of 92 joined the U's in January 2017 and has spent over two and a half years coaching and developing the Club's first team goalkeepers.
Based in Lincolnshire his switch to Barnsley provides a move closer to home and also deservedly represents a progression up the Football League.
He departs with the very best wishes of everybody at Cambridge United Football Club. Disappointed to be leaving the Abbey Stadium, Kevin penned the following message for all associated with the Club:
"I would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone connected with Cambridge United Football Club.
"From day one, everyone has made me feel so welcome and I genuinely feel very sad to be leaving. I have loved every minute of my time here. It's a great Club, with great people in a beautiful city. I have made friends for life and will be keeping a close eye on results this season.
"I've been given a chance to progress my career and working in the Championship at another fantastic club was an opportunity I couldn't turn down. I wish Cambridge United the very best of luck for the upcoming season. Pilks."
The Club will now conduct the required process over the coming weeks to seek Kevin's long term successor, but have moved quickly to ensure an immediate solution is currently in place. We will provide further updates in due course.