Colchester United have acted quickly to replace John Ward by installing caretaker manager Joe Dunne as their new boss. The League One club sacked Ward on Monday following a dreadful start to the new campaign and chairman Robbie Cowling wasted no time in placing his faith in Dunne, who will be looking to transform the U's season.
Dunne, who made over 160 appearances for the U's during two spells as a player, has worked his way up through the ranks, having worked in various coaching roles at the club for the last decade. He knows the ins and outs of the club and takes the job knowing full well the challenges that lie ahead.
Colchester have endured a woeful campaign to date, failing to win any of their nine league and cup matches. They have carried their poor form from last season into the current campaign, and in total they have only won one of their last 21 league matches, meaning a managerial chance was pivotal.
Dunne's first match in charge is at home to Hartlepool on Saturday. Neither side has set the league alight, with Colchester failing to win any of their eight matches and Hartlepool recording just one. However, the U's will hope that Dunne's appointment will kick start their season and they head into the match as the 6/5 favourites with Paddy Power. Meanwhile Pools are available at 21/10 to win their first match on the road, with a draw priced at 23/10.
