Cambridge United turn to former manager as Garry Monk replacement

The U's sacked Garry Monk last weekend as they sit rock-bottom of the League One table with only five wins from 31 matches.

Monk joined the club in March 2024 as their successor to Harris, with the change made as Cambridge fight for survival.

Harris has returned as their head coach and former boss Mark Bonner has also made a comeback, this time as director of football.

In a statement, the club's majority owner Paul Barry said: "Neil Harris is returning as head coach on a contract until June 2027.

"He made a significant impact at the club over a short period last season. He is a winner and his track record as a head coach speaks for itself.

READ MORE ON THE EFL

A$AP Rocky verdict could be huge moment for relegation-threatened League Two club

Fans of EFL team offer their cash-strapped club £3.5k with five conditions

"He will obviously work very closely with Mark, who has been leading conversations with him over the last 48 hours.

"Clearly, Neil left us in a unique set of circumstances last season, and we all feel there is unfinished business for him at Cambridge United."

Harris first joined as head coach in December 2023 but spent just two months at the club before returning to former side Millwall.

However, he departed at the end of 2024 and shortly after he made a derogatory comment towards some Millwall fans.

Most read in EFL

A$AP Rocky verdict could be huge moment for relegation-threatened League Two club

Key Birmingham star stretchered off after controversial moment in potential promotion blow

Premier League clubs urged to follow Wrexham model as ex-star makes huge statement

EFL club sack boss a month after being forced to apologise to fans for lack of commitment

On Bonner's appointment, Barry said: "Mark Bonner will be returning as our new director of football.

"He knows the club inside out - its strengths, its culture and values, and also the areas that we must seek to improve.

"He is an exceptional individual and we believe his leadership, strategic thinking and deep understanding of the game can make him an outstanding Director of Football for us over the long term.

"He will undertake the second part of the football review as the planning starts now to get ready for next season - alongside fighting to stay up."

Bonner became Cambridge manager in March 2020 and sealed their promotion to League One the following year.

He signed a long-term deal at the club in September 2023 but left only two months after, before joining League Two side Gillingham.

Harris and Bonner will have a press conference on Thursday, two days before Cambridge host Stockport County in League One.