Cambridge United is pleased to announce that Ian Mather and Ben Strang have agreed new contracts with the Club...
The announcement comes following promotion to Sky Bet League One and the news that Head Coach Mark Bonner has committed his future to the Club, ensuring that stability amongst the Cambridge United senior management team is delivered.
After helping guide the Club through an uncertain time since his interim appointment in 2019, Ian Mather has agreed to remain as CEO of the Club until the end of the 2021/22 season.
“I took on the role of CEO in July 2019 as an interim measure,” Mather said. “I have now agreed with the owners and the board to extend my term until the end of next season. We have gone through a lot of change and turmoil during the last two years and we are all keen to ensure that we have continuity as we look forward to playing in League One.
“My job is made easier by the many dedicated and talented people we have working at the club and we will do all we can to make next season a success.”
Ben Strang, formerly Chief Scout and more recently Head of Football since 2016, has been appointed the Club’s Sporting Director.
“My position as Sporting Director will remain largely unchanged from my current role. I will continue to be responsible for overseeing and working with the relevant staff to strategically drive our recruitment, medical and sport science, analysis, academy, football staff and player recruitment; as well as further strengthening our relationships with Cambridge United Women Football Club and St Neots Town Football Club.
“With the all-encompassing nature of the position, the owners and board feel that the title of Sporting Director is a more accurate reflection of the role.
“Crucially, I will continue to work particularly closely with Mark Bonner, in driving the level of the First Team and supporting him as much as possible. We look forward to the challenge of League One football next season and squad planning is already well underway. It has been a fantastic privilege to work for Cambridge United for eight years across two spells and I am very appreciative of the support I have received from the owners and the board.”
Majority Owner Paul Barry said, “I am delighted that both Ian and Ben are continuing their journey with us at Cambridge United.
“Ian has worked incredibly hard at improving our off-the-field and commercial operations and by securing his services for another year it only goes to show our commitment to continued stability and improvement across the board.
“I have worked with Ben for many years now and I am yet to meet somebody as thoughtful, diligent and meticulous in football. His working relationship with Mark Bonner has been a huge positive for us this season and the results have been self-evident.”
The Club would like to place on record its congratulations to both Ian and Ben on their respective appointments.