This is why Cambridge United are so determined to land Brighton under-23s manager Simon Rusk

Brighton & Hove Albion under-23s manager Simon Rusk is among the leading contenders to become the next Cambridge United manager.
Brighton under-23s coach Simon Rusk could be on his way to Cambridge UnitedBrighton under-23s coach Simon Rusk could be on his way to Cambridge United
Brighton under-23s coach Simon Rusk could be on his way to Cambridge United

Rusk, 38, has been the under-23s boss at the Amex since 2015, having previously been the under-18s coach.

Rusk has had experience coaching first-team football with Chris Hughton during Albion's promotion-winning campaign and has worked with Gus Poyet and, most recently, Graham Potter at Brighton.

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He has also been credited with helping to devlop the talents of Aaron Connolly and Ben White, who is currently on loan at Championship side Leeds United, Albion midfielder Solly March and Colombia international midfielder Steven Alzate.

Brighton defender Ben White, currently on loan at Leeds, worked with Simon Rusk throughout his youth career at AlbionBrighton defender Ben White, currently on loan at Leeds, worked with Simon Rusk throughout his youth career at Albion
Brighton defender Ben White, currently on loan at Leeds, worked with Simon Rusk throughout his youth career at Albion

Rusk, who holds the highest possible coaching license - the UEFA pro license, feels it is “the right time” to make the step up.

It is believed Rusk informed his senior under-23 players and staff earlier this week after holding meetings with Cambridge United's CEO Ian Mather.

The coach then confirmed he is set to leave after Monday night's under-23s victory over Spurs to all the squad in the dressing room.

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Rusk made 267 appearances as a player in his senior career and represented Peterborough, Cambridge City, Boston United - where he made 140 appearances, Northwich Victoria, York City and Crawley Town.

Colin Calderwood was sacked by Cambridge UnitedColin Calderwood was sacked by Cambridge United
Colin Calderwood was sacked by Cambridge United

Due to a number of serious injuries, he ended his playing career in 2011 and was appointed youth team coach at Brighton & Hove Albion in March 2012.

In 2018 Rusk guided the under-23s to the Premier League 2 - the highest level of football for under-23s - following their Division 2 play-off victory against Aston Villa.

Cambridge United began the process of appointing a new manager following the departure of previous manager Colin Calderwood.

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Mark Bonner is the interim head coach at the League Two team and will lead them for the next two games at Newport and Scunthore.

Cambridge United are 16th in League Two and have won just once in their last five matches.