Former Cambridge United manager returns

Former Cambridge United boss Mark Bonner has taken the reins at League Two club Gillingham. The 38-year-old steps in to replace Stephen Clemence, who was dismissed at the end of last month after a brief stint of less than six months.

Bonner’s managerial experience includes leading Cambridge to promotion from League Two in 2021. However, his tenure with Cambridge ended in November 2023, following a heavy 5-0 defeat to Peterborough United, which left the club just four points above the League One relegation zone. Despite his departure, Bonner’s accomplishments at Cambridge were notable.

At Gillingham, Bonner has committed to a two-year contract. The club’s managing director, Joe Comper, expressed confidence in Bonner’s abilities, highlighting his proven track record in League Two. “He has the experience to get us where we want to go,” Comper stated. “We were specifically looking for a leader with direct experience in playing successfully in League Two. We were also looking for someone who had promoted a team out of the league and had the skills to build that sort of ambitious culture.”

With this new appointment, Gillingham aims to leverage Bonner’s expertise to navigate the challenges of League Two and foster a winning mindset. His prior success in achieving promotion and building a competitive team culture aligns well with the club’s goals for the upcoming seasons.

Bonner’s arrival marks a new chapter for Gillingham, as they look to climb the ranks in League Two under his guidance. The club and its supporters will be eager to see how his leadership and strategic approach can drive their success on the field.