4th February 2011 Mark Stewart Wood - Cambridge News

Long term readers of this column might recall that, earlier this season I refused to openly call for Martin Ling’s head after a parlous run of results.

This small support was then rewarded by a string of wins and draws running through to Christmas, punctuated only by a sterling defeat in the FA Cup at Huddersfield. Since the turn of the year, however, United’s form has been nothing short of disastrous.

Most club’s would and should have acted after the 6 -3 home thrashing defeat to lowly Alfreton. This was a home defeat so bad that even a Peterborough fan (Hi Kev) commiserated with me, replacing his using gloating text of ‘Ha Ha Ha (ad infinitum) with the one liner ‘Ouch!’. The board finally acted in the wake of Saturday’s defeat by Bath City as another sequence of defeats began to coalesce and with home gates haemorrhaging.

For a club whose financial situation lies on a knife edge this could not have been an easy decision but, after some soul searching, I strongly believe it to be the right one. Regardless of the talk of ‘three year plans’ this gives the club, at probably the most important point in its history, the chance to refocus and reload. The appointment of Jez George as caretaker manager brings to the top table that which has already been seen to be excellent in the Cambridge United Youth trust pyramid which reaches out to so many in the wider community.

In spite of what our detractors might say CFU would rather act as a voice of reason and unity than anything else. The new manager gives the supporters a popular character to unite behind. A fresh start can be brokered on the field for the players - some of whom may have been isolated previously, and for the team in the form of renewed tactics and training methods.

Mr George’s appointment proves the importance of the Youth Development scheme that CFU has supported 100% during some difficult years for the club. The negative aspects cannot be understated. Notwithstanding the costs to the club in financial terms the release of any manager is a failure for everyone concerned. Martin Ling, by all accounts, is a decent and honest man who, in a different time and place, might well have worked the U’s back to where they belong. That he is no longer employed in the game that he loves should not be a matter for celebration.

However, the decision should provide a much needed feel good factor and positive feel around the club to kick start a rather moribund season. I am sure there will be lows as well as highs but supporters need to support the youngsters and Jez George during the next few months, bear with their efforts and do not on their backs when results not fall into place.

Consistent support is a key. A return to a positive atmosphere on match days will be reflected on the field. Let's Unite and take this club forward!

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