Cambridge United can confirm some staff changes as a couple of long-serving colleagues are set to leave the Club...
Head of Performance, Matt Walker and Academy Manager, Tom Pell are both departing in the coming months to accept opportunities at other Clubs.
Matt’s most recent spell with the Club has been since 2012 and he has been a key driving force in the development of the sports science and medical departments within the First Team and beyond.
Tom will leave us after 16 years with Cambridge United which has seen him work across vital roles within the Youth Development and Academy departments - playing a significant role in the development of both areas of the Club.
Sporting Director Ben Strang said, "First and foremost we would like to sincerely thank Tom and Matt for their outstanding dedication to Cambridge United.
"Tom has worked with our youngest and oldest academy players, and everything in between. He’s immensely respected and well liked, not only at Cambridge United but across the academy landscape in this country. He has led our academy terrifically as Academy Manager for the past four years and developed hugely as a leader and strategic thinker.
"Matt has led our Sports Science provision and managed the Performance Department, overseeing Sports Science, Medical and Analysis. He has done an exceptional job at driving the football club on, across these disciplines. Matt’s attention to detail, organisational qualities and level of professionalism, as well as his empathetic yet challenging nature with the players, is what makes him a tremendous character.
"Naturally, both will be hard acts to follow. They have both shown enormous humility, leadership and work ethic over the years. But we can take pride from the fact that our staff are so highly regarded in the game and will be moving on to great new roles. The recruitment process to find their successors is already underway to work with myself, Mark and the other staff to help continue our progression as a football club next season.
"Tom and Matt both know they will always be welcome at the Club. I know I speak for everyone associated with Cambridge United when I say they will leave at the end of the season with all our thanks and best wishes. We know they will continue to excel within their next roles in the game.”
Assistant Academy Manager Kit Brunswick is also leaving the Club after nearly three years to take a role in professional e-sports, whilst Hospitality Sales Manager Wendy Glancy is also working her final weeks after five years at the Club.
Meanwhile, Alex Tunbridge starts work at the Abbey Stadium today and begins a one-month handover before taking on the job at the end of the season from the outgoing CEO Ian Mather. Ian will then return to the Board after three seasons in the role.
All four members of staff will be greatly missed but Ian Mather says it's a sign of a positive and progressive working environment.
"Kit has done great work in relation to safeguarding and Wendy has been brilliant at organising and hosting matchdays for years, but decided it is time for a change.
“It is always sad when highly valued staff members move on but we have to be pleased for them as they develop their careers in exciting ways. It shows that they have been good for Cambridge United and that Cambridge United has been good for them. All have made great contributions to the Club in different ways and we wish them well."
All four roles are currently being recruited for with potential applicants able to view the adverts on the Club's Vacancies page.