Cambridge United Club Secretary Andrew Pincher will be leaving The Abbey Stadium in order to accept an offer of the position of Football Secretary at Blackburn Rovers.

Pincher joined the Club in 1988 and became Secretary in October 1998 when taking over from Steve Greenall, under whom he had served as Assistant Secretary.

Today he commented, "Despite the troubles and uncertainties over the past few months I have never had any intention of leaving the Club. However, somewhat unexpectedly, I have been approached and offered an excellent opportunity with Blackburn Rovers and I now feel that personally this is too good for me to refuse."

Pincher, who is now working his notice period and is likely to take up his new position during November, added "It is an exciting challenge and I am looking forward to starting my new role at Blackburn, although having said that, it has still been an extremely difficult decision for me to make, such is my loyalty to Cambridge United.

"I would like to place on record my appreciation of the support and encouragement I have received from the Chairman and Board of Directors, both past and present, my fellow colleagues and also the supporters, many of whom I have got to know personally.

"I have spent my entire working life with Cambridge United, have made many friends at the Club and in the area, and it will be an enormous wrench for me to leave," he added.

"I have been fortunate in that both through the good and bad times I can honestly say that never once have I not wanted to come into work, and I think that speaks volumes for the Club and the people I have worked both for and alongside.

"I will continue to follow their fortunes after I have left and I will always have a great affinity with the Club and the area. I sincerely hope that the Club can harness the passion and enthusiasm shown by the supporters over the past few months, enjoy success on and off the pitch and make a speedy return to The Football League."

The club has taken no firm decision on how Andy will be replaced. Finance Director Nick Pomery confirmed that a number of options are being considered: "We are extremely sad but not surprised that Andy has been offered an opportunity at a Premiership club - his expertise and commitment are well-known around the football world.

"Andy was absolutely vital to the club's survival through the summer, putting in an enormous amount of work in extremely difficult circumstances. Andy has been an unsung hero for many years at the Abbey Stadium and it has been a privilege to work with him over the last few difficult months.

"Obviously, given the club's financial circumstances we need to take advantage of any opportunity to review the club's off-field structure, and this is no exception. Whatever we choose to do, however, we have to be aware that Andy has made an enormous contribution to the club that we will be hard-pressed to replace."

Chairman Roger Hunt had his own tribute to the long-serving Club Secretary: "I have known Andrew since he joined the Club as a 16-year-old YTS and in my fifteen years as a Director and now Chairman I can honestly say that I have never worked with a more dedicated, honest and trustworthy person, both in my football and business careers.

"Andrew has set a fine example to today's young players, having shown that just because you haven't succeeded in becoming a professional footballer it doesn't mean you have failed.

"For many years Andrew has been held in high regard by everyone he has dealt with in the football world and it was only a matter of time before he was made an offer that would be impossible for him to refuse. That said, he goes with mine and the Club's blessing.

"His departure from the Club is a massive blow and it will be extremely difficult to find his replacement," added Hunt.

"He has offered to help even after he has taken up his position at Blackburn Rovers and for this I am extremely grateful, as I'm sure I will need to contact him for his advice.

"I regard Andrew as a friend and Cambridge United will not be the same without him."

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