Barry Corr does not expect to be in charge for Cambridge’s next match

Posted Sunday, December 03, 2023 by PA

Cambridge interim manager Barry Corr saw his side book a place in the third round of the FA Cup with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Fleetwood in his first game in charge but said he does not expect to be in the dugout when the U’s return to league action next week.

Corr, who took temporary charge when manager Mark Bonner was dismissed on Wednesday, said the club was already in talks with prospective new coaches.

He will take training again on Monday, but said: “I spoke to Ben (Strang, Cambridge director of football) after the game. He’s had a couple of informal conversations and formal interviews will start next week.

“I’d imagine if the process moves quickly, the new manager could be in place for the Charlton game next Saturday.”

The U’s blew Fleetwood away with three goals in six first-half minutes from Danny Andrew, Elias Kachunga and Fejiri Okenabirhie, before substitute Gassan Ahadme wrapped up the scoring in the second half.

Corr said: “Fleetwood haven’t started well in the last couple of games, so we talked to the players about the importance of a fast start and the game was probably done after 15 minutes, even though I was still nervous in injury time.

“I thought our front four were unplayable at times today.”

Andrew opened the scoring in the seventh minute, curling in a free kick from 22 yards after Kachunga had been fouled by Bosun Lawal.

Four minutes later Kachunga was on target himself, following up to score when Sullay Kaikai’s shot rebounded off the post. Then in the 13th minute the impressive Kaikai set up Okenabirhie, who ran clear and finished confidently.

Brendan Wiredu put Fleetwood’s best chance wide from close range before the U’s missed a penalty in the 29th minute – Ahadme’s tame effort easily saved by Fleetwood goalkeeper Stephen McMullan after a foul on Kaikai by Lawal.

Ahadme made amends in the second half, converting Paul Digby’s 83rd-minute cross to complete the scoring.

Fleetwood’s leaky defence has now conceded 10 goals in three games and manager Lee Johnson apologised to the traveling fans for what was a meek performance.

Johnson said: “It was a crazy 15-minute spell at the start where the details were horrific in terms of our play. I picked a team that I believed could get on the front foot but we were out of sorts.

“I didn’t see that coming and 10 goals in a week is not acceptable. We’ve missed a massive opportunity to advance in the cup because I think Cambridge were beatable.”

Johnson bemoaned his side’s habit of conceding early goals. He said: “It’s been a problem all season and all we can do is get our heads down, fight, and do the basics right.”