Cambridge United's promotion back to League One is overshadowed by a growing challenge: the city's high cost of living is deterring potential signings. Director of football Mark Bonner admits property prices and rents are making it tough to attract players, even as the U's finished 3rd in League Two last season with 82 points (22W-16D-8L).
What did the club say?
Mark Bonner, who managed the U's for three years before returning in his current role, confirmed the issue at a BBC Radio Cambridgeshire Fans' Forum. 'Cost of property, definitely… If you're not one of the higher payers but you've got the highest property costs in the league, it's quite a difficult balance to overcome,' he said. The club has rented shared accommodation for some players, but Bonner admits the cost remains 'prohibitive.'
What about the finances?
Cambridge United's average wage in League One (2024-25) was just £2,500-£3,000 per week, making them the third-lowest payers in the division. Kieran Maguire, professor of football finance at the University of Liverpool, explains: 'If you're moving to an area with higher property prices, that's certainly one issue which is taken into consideration.' The U's have signed six players this summer, but the high cost of living may limit further recruitment.
What about the wider issue for Cambridge?
This isn't a new problem. A 2017 report described Cambridge as the UK's most expensive city outside London. With average house prices at £467,000 and rents at £1,804 per month, even professional footballers are feeling the pinch. The U's will need to find creative solutions if they want to compete in League One this season.
