Colchester United’s chairman Robbie Cowling was forced to issue a club statement this evening following a bizarre update on their managerial position.
In what appears to be a complex situation, Matty Etherington has stepped down as interim head coach of the U’s. This follows the emergence that he is still contractually bound to Crawley Town until May 2024.
The former Stoke City winger left the Red Devils just 32 days into his 18-month contract at the end of December last year. As a result, the West Sussex side believe they are entitled to receive a payment in order for Etherington to continue in his role. This is because he left his role and was not sacked.
In the chairman’s statement to supporters, he issued this update: At 3.34pm today, (Friday 27th October), I received a call from Eben Smith, who informed me that Crawley believe Matty is still bound by their contract until May 2024. Consequently, if Matty manages any of Colchester’s games, a buy-out fee would be owed to Crawley.
Also included in that statement was that Colchester had sought for Etherington to take charge tomorrow, while they explored legal action over the contract. This specific request was denied, meaning Scott Marshall will now take charge of the proceedings. He was previously Ben Garner’s assistant, and will now lead the U’s until this situation can be resolved.
It is far from ideal preparation for the club in what has already been a difficult last seven days. Garner was sacked following Saturday’s loss against Harrogate Town, a result which left the club in the relegation zone.
There was an immediate improvement in midweek against Grimsby Town, with Etherington guiding the Essex side to victory. But they will now be without their interim head coach for Saturday’s meeting with Accrington Stanley.
Stanley currently occupy a position in the playoffs following their own turbulent period off the pitch, when owner Andy Holt put several tweets out in a social media rant. Colchester, on the other hand, moved out of the bottom two with their midweek success against the Mariners.
Writer’s View
This is a completely unique situation that may never have been seen before. Sympathies have to go to those at Colchester, whose task of facing an Accrington side one point off the automatic places has just got even harder.
It does seem harsh on the U’s that Crawley did not accept Colchester’s request to let Etherington take charge tomorrow, particularly given he was in the dugout on Tuesday evening. Scott Marshall has a big job on his hands, and it will be interesting to see how he fares.
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