Blue Square Premier club Cambridge United have announced the re-appointment of Martin Ling as manager.
A statement from the club reads: “Martin Ling has acted honourably throughout the process of his original appointment, his brief tenure, and our subsequent discussions. The honesty, integrity and strength of character that he has shown, in addition to his undoubted management skills, make him without doubt the right man for the job.
“The financial review carried out by the Board in the last few days has confirmed that Martin will be required to operate within a much restricted budget compared to the previous two seasons. However, we are confident that Martin will build a team over the next three years that can challenge for promotion.
“Martin will work closely with Jez George to develop the talented youngsters at the club, improve the first team squad, and create the environment which will bring long term success.
“At Board level, Jez will be given responsibility for all football affairs whilst still overseeing the day to day running of the youth policy. It is anticipated that Martin will become involved at all levels of the club whilst having responsibility for the acquisition of senior players within an agreed structure and process.
“The remainder of the Board will concentrate on developing the business side of the club and ensuring the finances are sufficiently robust to maintain a competitive playing budget. Martin Ling has the coaching ability and experience to organise a team that can overachieve and we feel that promotion can be attained within this three year period without jeopardising the financial stability of the club.
“We hope to draw a line under the events of the last month and get back to focussing on football. The Board are united in their endeavour to move forward with a common purpose that is required to succeed. Continuity and stability are words that we as a football club have to earn the right to use in the coming years.
“As previously stated, we are delighted to have secured the services of such a high quality manager and that both parties are committed to each other for at least the next three years. This is a long-term project and we know that our magnificent supporters will show the patience required to get behind the club, Martin and the players over this period of time.”
