COLCHESTER manager John Ward has left the club this afternoon.

It comes with the U’s struggling in the bottom three of League One having failed to win a single game so far.

In a statement, the club’s board of directors said: “It is with regret that the Colchester United board has taken the decision to release John Ward from his duties as First Team Manager.

“John has managed the club since the start of the 2010/11 season and has steered the club to two consecutive top ten finishes.”

Chairman Robbie Cowling said: “In so many areas, John Ward will leave Colchester United Football Club in a better position than when he first took over as First Team Manager.

“So much of Colchester United is better than it has ever been, but sadly that is not being reflected in first team results and the board has decided that this action is required to stop the negativity of the on-field results impacting on the other areas of the club that have also been drastically improved.

“I would like to thank John Ward for his time in charge. He has done more for Colchester United than many people realise, and the board of Colchester United and especially myself would like to wish him all of the very best for the future.

“Joe Dunne has agreed to take over in the short term and I am sure that everyone will give Joe their full support.”