League One side Cambridge United opted to part company with former Premier League boss Garry Monk with the side sat bottom of the table. The hosts of the League One Lowdown have expressed their verdict on the decision in their latest episode.
Monk was hired by the League One strugglers mid-way through the 23/24 season where he was able to guide them to safety by four points, despite a poor run of form towards the end of the season.
The club had been hoping for some form of improvement going into this campaign, but once again found themselves embroiled in a relegation battle. As sides around them opted to part company with their own bosses, seeing improvement Cambridge instead gave Monk the vote of confidence during a period of pressure.
However, the former Swansea City boss failed to live up to the hope and was sacked just a few months later after the club dropped to the bottom of the League One table.
League One Lowdown Verdict on Monk’s Sacking
Two of the hosts of the The Deck’s League One Lowdown Jamie and Seb discussed the news during their latest episode. Whilst neither were surprised at the decision, both expressed their shock at how long it had taken for the club to reach that decision.
“No real surprise, Seb, in terms of Gary Monk leaving with Cambridge rock bottom of League One.”
“I think the biggest surprise is it’s not happened earlier, really, given Cambridge’s poor form and just results have not been going their way at all. I’m surprised they’ve left it so late, the hierarchy at the club, the hierarchy clearly feel that there is a chance of perhaps staying up just without Gary Monk in charge”
“yeah I think it’s when we all saw coming it was probably more of a matter of when what if really for Gary Monk”
“they got away with it last year and so far this year they just haven’t been able to ride that same luck.
“Results have been poor performances have been poor and ultimately when that happens you’ve got to look at your manager”
So, yeah, it’s not looking good for Cambridge at all, but clearly, the owners have made this change because they feel there’s still time left in the season and you know eight points of safety all it takes is a couple of good wins you know we seem to be on repeat week in week out saying the sort of things but yeah we spoke off air a little bit in that it’s too late I think for Cambridge but you know the owners will think there is still a possibility but for me I think it’s over”
Is it over for Cambridge United?
Realistically the club need to start preparing for a season in League Two. Whoever comes in next needs to not only be able to get to grips with the squad this campaign, but also be well placed when the 25/26 season kicks off.
Unfortunately for Cambridge fans, it feels like a simple case of, too little, too late. The sides around them all acted quickly and have improved their form. Whilst the decision may bring a new managers bounce enough to lift them off the bottom, overcoming four other teams is perhaps too much to ask.