Mark Bonner: 'Health and safety the overriding factor' for a return to league football
Mark Bonner wonders when he'll get the opportunity to take charge of his first match since being officially appointed as Cambridge United's new Head Coach.
The 34 year old had been in interim charge for 7 games following Colin Calderwood's departure in January, guiding United to four wins over the period.
But he's been kept waiting since the SkyBet EFL's decision to postpone matches from March 14th, with the Coronavirus pandemic taking hold in the UK.
And Bonner says he can't second-guess if, when and how the current season will resume.
Currently all EFL clubs are advised to return to training on May 16th at the earliest, with discussions ongoing as to whether games should be held behind closed doors.
But with football associations in France and Holland taking the decision to end their respective seasons, the debate is growing over whether the same should happen with in England.
The EFL's primary objective is to try and finish the 2019/20 campaign but only when it is safe to do so.
Already Bonner has had to make decisions about the future moulding of his squad, with nine players set to leave when their contracts run out at the end of June.
Among the senior professionals due to be released are Jabo Ibehre, Reggie Lambe, Samir Carruthers, George Taft and Paul Lewis.
Chief Executive Officer Ian Mather said "This is clearly a time of great uncertainty for football as well as every other part of society.
"We do not know whether or when the current season will complete but we thought it only right to give the playing squad clarity about their future at the Club at the earliest possible opportunity.
"We are doing this now - even though every player is under contract until the end of June and, possibly, could be still be available to play for Cambridge United up to the end of July - as we want everyone to have as much time as possible to plan for their future.
"We would like to place on record our thanks to each player who will be leaving Cambridge United this summer for their service and contribution to the Club.’
The lockdown has given Mark Bonner time to reflect on his short tenure in charge, as well as deal with day-to-day issues with his playing squad.
But he's also looking at how Cambridge can go forward in the wake of COVID-19.
Squad size is one area which Bonner is looking at
Cambridge United Head Coach Mark Bonner gives his thoughts to ITV News Anglia on the current situation with football and making tough decisions on his playing squad