Cambridge board admit club in a 'tough moment'

Cambridge United have been in League One since promotion in 2021

Cambridge United are in a "tough moment" after taking only one point from their opening nine league games of the season, the club's owners and board have admitted.

In a joint statement, they said League One's bottom team need to be in a "competitive position" by the turn of the year to have a realistic chance of staying in the third tier.

The U's only avoided relegation on the final day of the 2022-23 campaign, but last season finished 18th under head coach Garry Monk.

"There is no sugar coating how poor our results have been," the statement said.

"The reasons may be many and varied - and some of the underlying statistics may tell a more positive story - but in the end we all know football is a results business."

Former Leeds United, Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday boss Monk was appointed in March after Neil Harris left to take over at Millwall.

The U's, though, have won only two of his 23 games in charge, 15 of which have ended in defeat - including a 1-0 loss at Exeter City on Saturday.

Their start to this campaign mirrors that of Cheltenham Town, who had one point after the first 11 games of last season and although they improved enough to win 12 matches, were still relegated to League Two.

The owners and board said it was not normal practice to give a "running commentary" during the season, but was important to "say something" at this time.

"We increased our playing budget significantly over the summer but still started this season with one of the lowest in the league," the statement said.

"Unfortunately, multiple long-term injuries have really tested this approach and our squad depth - and there will be lessons for all of us to learn for the future.

"This is said as context but not as an excuse, and we are all acutely aware that results do need to improve - and quickly."

There does not appear to be an immediate threat to Monk's position, though the board and owners stopped short of expressing a vote of confidence in him.

"We know how hard Garry, the staff and players are working. There is no shortage of endeavour, focus and togetherness within the group," the statement added.

"The international break now gives everyone a chance to regroup, refocus and then really attack the coming critical period of games.

"We remain as ambitious as ever for Cambridge United on and off the pitch. Progress never goes in straight lines, especially in sport."

Cambridge have played in the second tier of English football during their history but also spent nine seasons in non-league following relegation in 2005 before regaining their league status 10 years ago.