Colchester United are set to hold talks with interim boss Matty Etherington over their vacant managerial position, according to the Daily Gazette.
The U’s have been without a head coach since parting company with Ben Garner last month, with under-21 manager Etherington taking the helm whilst the search for a replacement began. However, the situation became sticky when the 42-year-old’s former club Crawley Town claimed he was in breach of contract taking the role following his departure from Broadfield Stadium in December 2022.
A bizarre statement issued by the League Two club stated that they would prevent the ex-West Ham United and Stoke City winger from taking on the role, although an agreement was reached shortly after.
Etherington has performed admirably since, with the Essex-based side unbeaten in their last four league games with three wins and a draw. This has seen them move away from the relegation places and they currently sit in a more comfortable 16th position.
According to the Daily Gazette’s report, Colchester are set to discuss the vacant role with their interim today as they look to offer him the job on a permanent basis. Speaking on his hopes of securing the role, Etherington said;
“I’ve enjoyed the time that I’ve been doing it and we’ll see what’s next.
“I genuinely don’t know either way.
“Whether I get it or not, I can look back on these five games and know that I’ve learnt a huge amount.
“Obviously the Crawley thing one way or the other was only 31 days and I didn’t learn a great deal there; I learnt other things but not on the pitch.
“With this one, I’ve learnt a huge amount, I really have.
“If I’m asked to take the reins then brilliant; if I’m asked to go back to the 21s, then I’ll take that learning with me.”
Colchester face a tough test on Saturday when they travel to league leaders Stockport County.
Writer’s View
Etherington’s stint at Crawley was one to forget and he was willing to rebuild his career by taking on the under-21 role at Colchester United. Following Garner’s dismissal, he has performed one hell of an audition and he looks to have done enough to secure the head coach position on a permanent basis.
The U’s recent form means they are now just seven points off the play-off places, although there will be nobody at the club talking up promotion aspirations just yet. The last few weeks could just be a ‘new manager bounce’, but the former England under-21 international deserves his shot.
Head of Writing
