Cambridge United have released a statement confirming that interim head coach Barry Corr will take charge of the next two games as the club decides on a replacement for Neil Harris.
Harris had been appointed as Mark Bonner’s successor at the Abbey Stadium at the beginning of December and did an admirable job with the U’s, winning five and drawing three of his 13 League One matches in charge. Additionally, Cambridge picked up 1.38 points per game during his tenure, more than playoff hopefuls Oxford United have managed under Des Buckingham.
However, in midweek, Millwall announced that head coach Joe Edwards had been relieved of his duties following a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday at The Den. Soon after, it was revealed that Harris would be succeeding him in the dugout, having agreed a compensation package with Cambridge.
Corr was handed the reins as caretaker manager for the Cambridgeshire Derby on Saturday, a game which ended 1-0 to visitors Peterborough United following a goal from Ephron Mason-Clark before the hour mark.
Nevertheless, the club have now announced that the Irish coach will remain in charge of the team ahead of tomorrow night’s visit to playoff-chasers Stevenage and Saturday’s gruelling trip to the Toughsheet Community Stadium to take on title challengers Bolton Wanderers.
In a statement published this morning, the Chair of the Board, Shaun Grady, also admitted that Cambridge United have held “preliminary conversations” with potential candidates.
“Since the unexpected departure of Neil Harris last week there have been a number of conversations between Owners, Board and the senior leadership of the Club.
“Everyone is committed to making the right appointment and we are balancing working at pace with a thorough consideration of the different options at this stage of the season,” he continued.
“Ben Strang has already had some preliminary conversations with potential candidates and we will keep fans fully updated as and when a decision is made.
“In the meantime, Barry Corr will lead the team for the next two games and we are all very grateful for the positive and professional way that Barry, Kevin, all the coaching staff and players have responded over recent days.
Writer’s View
With only 13 matches remaining in the League One campaign, Cambridge United must get this next appointment right. Under Harris, the club were doing enough to mathematically stay up this term but that could all change if the U’s fail to pick up any points over the coming week.
It will also be interesting to see who the club have lined up to succeed Harris, whether they decide to leave Corr in the dugout until the end of the season, give Bonner another phone call, or try someone new like former Wycombe Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth. Only time will tel
