It has been all quiet on the Colchester United front this morning, following yesterday’s dismal 4-0 home defeat to the then-bottom club, Notts County.

Manager Joe Dunne failed to appear for the post-match press conference, for the first time since he was appointed nearly 15 months ago, which sparked off rumours of a possible resignation amongst supporters.

Instead, his assistant, Mark Kinsella, addressed the press, while Dunne spoke to his players in the home dressing room after what had been a desperately disappointing performance.

Acting skipper Magnus Okuonghae also spoke to the press, in the wake of this damaging defeat – the final whistle was greeted by a chorus of boos, while a large section of U’s fans, especially in the South Stand, had already left the ground following County’s late third goal.

That mass exodus spoke volumes.

Post-match tweets from players have also been conspicuous by their absence, a very unusual state of affairs.

As yet, no official announcement has been made, or is planned, so it can be assumed that Dunne is still very much the U’s manager.

The Dubliner had been contemplating resigning toward the end of his side’s nine-game losing streak last season, but remained to mastermind the club’s fine escape from relegation.

His cause this term has been seriously hampered by a glut of injuries to key players, including summer signing Sanchez Watt and leading scorer Freddie Sears.

And in truth, the U’s have been a much more resilient side this season – it must also be remembered that Dunne’s men had won their previous home game, impressing in a 3-1 victory over MK Dons.

But Saturday’s heavy home defeat was a real low point.

The U’s are away at Oldham next weekend.