U's Chairman Phil Law has announced that he will hand over responsibilities to Board member Terry Baker, who has previous experience at this level and will assume the position of acting Chairman with immediate effect.

Due to these circumstances the Board has asked Norman Gautrey if he would be prepared to continue in his role as Chief Executive for the foreseeable future.

Law is known to have been unhappy that people close to the club, to whom privileged access is granted, often see fit to abuse/badmouth Club staff and Board members on the Club's website.

As a direct result of this behaviour, he has decided to leave the Club and the Board is currently considering temporarily suspending the message board whilst the personal abuse of individuals continues.

"The message board is intended for genuine fans to express their views, and I am saddened that our genuine fans will have this facility withdrawn for the time being because of the behaviour of a few," said Baker. "Phil has been subjected to some cruel comments, which is totally unacceptable and unfair to him and his family. A firmer line will be taken in the future with individuals who continue to abuse the facility.

"It has to be said that genuine fans of the club are not being misled by the malicious comments, and the Board has and continues to receive many positive and supportive emails."

In his resignation statement, the departing Chairman thanked everyone with whom he had worked at the Trade Recruitment Stadium: "It has been an absolute pleasure to work with some very loyal, honest and professional people.

"In particular, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the Club on a day to day basis. I am particularly upset that some of these comments have been made by people who don't always have all the facts about what's going on at the Club."

As such the Club has appointed a dedicated PR consultant to manage communications in a better way moving forward, with the aim of sharing news more immediately and openly with fans.

Law went on to review the great strides that the Club has made in the past two years.

"I am extremely proud of the progress we have made in my 22 months' tenure. When I was first asked to join the Board and help to rebuild the Club, the enormity of the task was evident.

"However, we have seen the average crowd figures increase by 60%, the financial situation at the Club has been greatly improved, the Board has increased in number by five with a further recruitment drive planned, and we achieved top of the table status during last season and reached the play off finals.

"We have achieved significant revenue from saleable players, our relationship with the authorities is significantly improved and the stadium has seen some major refurbishment already and further work is planned; most immediately, the North Terrace facilities.

"As ever, the primary aim of the Board is to get the Football Club back into the Football League."

Law concluded, "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Board Room and I will once again resume my 'berth' on the terraces. I look forward to seeing all aspects of the business and football continue to improve. There is a great foundation in place on which to take our Club to the next level and live up to the expectation of our many loyal fans.

"There are so many positive things going on at the Club, coupled with Gary Brabin's strategy and plans for the way forward, the Board's objectives and the Club's overall direction. Given continued acumen and hard work, we can all look to a bright future. I am sorry that I will not now be directly involved."

You are respectfully reminded that any article, as with all content on this website, unless otherwise stated, is subject to copyright © and the Official Cambridge United Website must be acknowledged as the original source including all quotes.

AT080904