Cambridge United promoted to League One as boss says ‘nerves were jangling’

Head Coach Neil Harris said he is “so proud of the players” following their promotion

Cambridge United Football Club have been promoted to Sky Bet League One after a draw against Crewe Alexandra on Saturday (May 2). The draw confirmed an immediate return to the third tier for the team who have finished the season in third place.

Cambridge boss Neil Harris has led his side to the best defensive record in the entire EFL, conceding just 33 goals from 46 games. Harris admitted “nerves were jangling” before his side were able to celebrate the promotion.

He was quick to highlight director of football Mark Bonner’s role in helping transform the club after last term’s misery. “Mark has moved heaven and earth to transform a losing culture and build a structure as well as an identity,” he said.

“I’m so proud of the players and delighted for Mark. It’s a great day for all of us and the fans who have travelled in numbers and who have given us sold-out stadiums at the Abbey.

“The biggest mention of all is for our owners, Paul Barry and Mark Green, who have invested their own money into the club. Mark because he has been sucked into it and wants to have a bit of fun, he wants to win.

“And Paul because he is just the barmiest fan I’ve ever come across. We should be privileged to have him as an owner as what he does for this football club often goes unnoticed.”

Harris continued: “We weren’t the better team today, but we had the chances again, even in the 97th minute, to win it which has been the case so many times this season. We’re over the line, although the nerves were jangling.”

Cambridge’s celebrations were delayed as an air ambulance had to land on the pitch to take a home fan who had suffered a medical emergency to hospital.

“Hopefully the fan who has been taken to hospital will be okay,” said Crewe boss Lee Bell. “Football is insignificant in the scheme of things when things like that happen.”