In July 2009, Ling was appointed the manager of Cambridge United in the Conference National, succeeding Gary Brabin who despite a successful first season had left the club due to differences with the club's chairman, George Rolls.
On July 2009, Ling took over as the manager of Cambridge United in the Conference National, replacing Gary Brabin, who left the club following a successful debut campaign because of conflicts with the club's chairman, George Rolls.