ROY McDonough will not be the new manager of Colchester United.

McDonough made no secret of the fact that he would love to return to the job that he enjoyed such success in, 20 years ago, when he visited his old club to promote his book, ‘Red Card Roy,’ earlier this month.

The 53-year-old, who is now based in Spain, guided the U’s back into the Football League in 1992, by clinching the Conference/FA Trophy double.

But he has been out of the professional game since he was axed by the U’s, in May, 1994, and current chairman, Robbie Cowling, revealed last night that he would not be recruiting ‘Big Roy’ as John Ward’s successor.

“Roy is a great part of the history of this club, and he is a great character,” explained Cowling.

“But there are people connected with this club at the moment who are ahead of him.

“I can’t imagine me ever appointing Roy as the next Colchester manager. I can discount that one.”

McDonough himself had said: “Nothing would please me more than to get the chance to speak with Mr Cowling about unfinished business at Colchester United.”

But it appears he will not get that chance.