COLCHESTER United's caretaker manager, Joe Dunne, has confirmed that he is not one of the final 12 applicants for the full-time post, writes Carl Marston.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United's caretaker manager, Joe Dunne, has confirmed that he is not one of the final 12 applicants for the full-time post, writes Carl Marston.

Interviews begin this weekend for the task of finding Paul Lambert's successor to the U's hot seat, and Dunne is fully expecting someone to be installed before the following weekend's trip to Southampton.

“I'm not on that list of 12. I suppose you could say that I'm keeping the bench warm for the new guy,” confirmed Dunne.

“I've seen my job as to just keeping things ticking over. I've learnt in the past, as a player, that continuity is the most important thing in these sort of situations. We've only had three or four proper training days in the last couple of weeks, because I haven't wanted to change things. Change can lead to change, and more change.

“Call it what you want, but this weekend's game (against Leeds) is another game nearer to another manager being appointed,” added Dunne.

U's Chief Executive Steve Bradshaw has already intimated that the initial list of a dozen candidates will be reduced to a final short-list of five or six by this weekend.

The range of contenders stretch from those with Premier League experience, to those just starting out after successful playing careers.

Big-name managers currently out of work include Aidy Boothroyd, Steve Coppell, Paul Jewell and Glenn Roeder, while Mark Kinsella and Paul Buckle fall into the category of young and ambitious men with Colchester connections.

Steve Cotterill could also be in the mix. Cotterill has been linked with the U's job in the past, and has been out of work since leaving Burnley in 2007.

The 45-year-old guided Cheltenham into the Football League at the start of his managerial career, and also had short spells as Stoke boss and an assistant at Sunderland, before his move to Burnley in 2004. He stayed at Turf Moor for more than three-and-a-half-years.

Dunne said of the managerial timetable: “It was always a bit unrealistic to expect a new manager to be in before the Leeds game.

“The board and chairman (Robbie Cowling) have their men in mind, and I reckon they will narrow it down fairly quickly.

“It was always my understanding that I would be here up to the Leeds game, and then something might happen at Gillingham (Tuesday evening).”

The chances are that Dunne will still be in charge at Priestfield for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy fixture, with perhaps the new manager-elect watching form the stands.