Mark Bonner Interview: Gillingham Manager on Life After Cambridge

Mark Bonner: A Manager's Journey from Cambridge to Gillingham

Mark Bonner's exit from Cambridge United last November marked a significant turning point in his career. After spending over a decade at the club in various roles, from academy manager to head coach, Bonner faced the daunting task of beginning anew. Despite an impressive start to the previous season, including a new long-term contract, Bonner was unexpectedly sacked just 77 days into the season, plunging him into uncharted waters as he found himself unemployed for the first time in his professional life.

Adjusting to Life After Cambridge

The transition from the busy football environment to sudden unemployment was a challenging experience for Bonner. "I found it really difficult to begin with because I didn't want to leave and I didn't feel I should have left," he shared with Sky Sports. The abrupt change, from being fully immersed in his work to having no responsibilities, was bewildering. However, Bonner made a conscious decision to embrace this new chapter. He took time to recharge, indulged in the freedom of unstructured weekends, and ventured into the media landscape.

Gaining Insights From Other Clubs

In the New Year, Bonner began visiting various clubs across the country, eager to learn and absorb different managerial styles. "I found it really refreshing because not only did I recharge my own energy and ideas, I was going to see what 'good' looked like at other levels," he said. This exploration provided him with new perspectives and invigorated his passion for coaching. As he assimilated invaluable insights, Bonner also considered a coaching opportunity in the United States, planning a month-long trip to explore MLS and USL clubs.

Taking the Helm at Gillingham

Just as Bonner was mapping out his potential future, the Gillingham job opened up after Stephen Clemence was sacked. He seized the opportunity and was appointed as Gills boss on a two-year contract. "The timing of my appointment was really helpful because I had pretty much an eight-week off-season before pre-season," Bonner reflected. This leg up allowed him to immerse himself in the club’s dynamics, assess the players, and develop a pre-season strategy.

Key Objectives and Ambitions

Bonner’s tenure at Gillingham began with an eye-catching signing—Bradley Dack, returning to Priestfield after seven years. Despite recent injury challenges, Bonner expressed optimism about Dack’s potential impact on the team. "More importantly, if we can get him fit and available on the pitch, it will give us a greater chance of winning games," Bonner emphasized. The shared vision of the club's owners, Brad and Shannon Galinson, added to the excitement, as the goal remains clear: a return to League One.

Performance Analysis: A New Approach

Comparing the start of Bonner's regime with the previous season reveals a more focused approach. Gillingham has scored more goals, conceded fewer, and accumulated more points than last year, while facing a greater challenge from competing teams. Bonner acknowledged the need for consistent performance to achieve season-long success, stating, "We have to first be good, then be first if we can." He believes that maintaining a high-performance level will ultimately lead to the desired outcomes, including another promotion before he turns 40.

Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright for Gillingham

Bonner's journey from Cambridge to Gillingham is a testament to resilience and adaptability. With his fresh perspective and clear objectives, he is poised to lead Gillingham into a promising future. As the season progresses, fans and players alike will be eager to witness how Bonner’s strategies unfold in their quest for promotion back to League One.