Football Season Guide

Mark Bonner’s reputation was enhanced even further last season as he comfortably kept Cambridge United in League One following their promotion in 2021. They were favourites for the drop having lost key striker and leading goalscorer Paul Mullin to National League side Wrexham but Bonner’s calm managerial style saw them overcome that blow with ease. He also succeeded in easing the reliance on playmaker Wes Hoolahan, who played an integral role in their promotion. Bonner has created a side that are greater than the sum of their parts and there are no real stars. That’s not to say they don’t have some real talent, which is highlighted in the departure of left-back Jack Iredale for Bolton Wanderers this summer. Bonner has acted quickly to replace him with Portsmouth graduate full-back Brandon Haunstrup and his hand is likely to be forced again before the window closes in September. Striker Sam Smith has been linked with several League One clubs and is expected to move on. Continuity will be key this season and he will be able to rely mostly on the side that performed so well last season. Adam May realised his potential with his best season to date in the middle of the park whilst James Brophy was very impressive on the left wing. Some promising youngsters are starting to come through and Bonner is certainly the right man to integrate them into the side. He is also the right man to ensure the U’s are competitive once again.