Braintree Town boss Alan Devonshire has emerged as favourite to become the new manager of Colchester United.

U’s manager Joe Dunne, and his assistant Mark Kinsella, both left the Essex club by mutual consent this morning, following a run of five defeats from the first six games of the season.

The U’s have picked up just one point from their first five League One games, the worst start to a season for 39 years.

Devonshire has overseen success at Braintree in the Conference, and is currently in his fourth season at this level with the Iron. It is believed that he has been in talks with the U’s.

Ex-West Ham midfielder Devonshire has been a stalwart of the non-league scene, enjoying lengthy spells as manager at Maidenhead United, Hampton & Richmond Borough and Braintree.

But he has never managed a Football League club.