FA CUP giant-killing manager Garry Hill and Ipswich Town first team coach Tony Mowbray today head the list of candidates for the vacant Colchester United manager's job.

FA CUP giant-killing manager Garry Hill and Ipswich Town first team coach Tony Mowbray today head the list of candidates for the vacant Colchester United manager's job.

Steve Whitton and the U's parted company 'by mutual agreement' yesterday afternoon after the second division side slumped to third bottom of Division Two with a 2-0 home defeat by Blackpool on Saturday.

Although not the most fashionable of clubs the post is bound to attract a large amount of candidates and the EADT understands Mowbray and Hill are high in the thoughts of the U's board.

Hill boss at Dagenham and Redbridge, has overseen victories over several league clubs including Plymouth Argyle this season, he drew with Charlton two years ago and the Daggers did not embarrass themselves against Ipswich in the third round last year.

A proven winner with Heybridge Swifts, St Albans and now the Daggers, Hill would relish the opportunity to manage in the Football League, where many would argue he deserves to be already after missing out on goal difference to Boston United last year who were then found guilty of financial irregularities and deducted four points from this season, rather than last.

Former Middlesbrough, Celtic and Ipswich defender Mowbray is another who would be in consideration.

Mowbray took temporary charge of Ipswich Town when George Burley was sacked last October and was short-listed for the job before Joe Royle was eventually appointed.

A UEFA licensed coach Mowbray has an impressive list of contacts and respect throughout the professional game and would be keen to strike out on his own at a club like Colchester.

Third on an immediate list of widely-tipped candidates is Burton Albion player/manager boss Nigel Clough.

He has been touted by supporters as a possible successor after supposedly being spotted dining with chairman Peter Heard.

But the former Liverpool and England striker still enjoys playing and being close to his young family. Nigel yesterday became an uncle once again as his brother Simon's wife gave birth to their fourth child. His father Brian is recovering from a liver transplant and a source close to Nigel believes the opportunity has come at the wrong time.

Former U's captain Richard Wilkins, who is currently manager at Bury Town, and Norwich City assistant manager Steve Foley – a former U's favourite - would both be likely to apply for the position.

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