Ian Evatt is now among the top 10 longest-serving managers in the top four division of English football after Cambridge parted ways with Mark Bonner.

Tuesday night’s 3-0 home defeat against Lincoln proved to be the final straw for Bonner, who was given the job in March 2020.

Majority owner Paul Barry praised Bonner for what he achieved during his tenure but believes a change is best for the club in the long-term.

An official statement read: “I want to start by simply saying this - Mark Bonner will rightly go down as one of the most important people in the history of Cambridge United.

"All of us - owners, board, staff, players and fans - know how lucky we have been to have him and how hard this decision has been.

“Cambridge United has made huge strides on and off the pitch over the last five years and Mark has been instrumental in building our strong foundations for the future, creating special memories and moments for all of us along the way.

“He has done it through his leadership and energy, his talent as a coach, his natural communication and empathy, and his desire to push the club forward on and off the pitch as someone born and brought up in Cambridge, who genuinely cares about our city and its communities.

“But in football, sometimes you do have to make decisions you believe are right for the long-term future of the club - difficult though they can sometimes be.

“Given our recent performances and results, we all feel - owners and board - that this is the right moment to part company with Mark, with huge respect, admiration and acknowledgement for all we have achieved together.”

Cambridge host Fleetwood in the FA Cup second round this weekend. Barry Corr will take interim charge of the side while the club carries out its search for a new boss.