Colchester United have named former Ipswich Town defender Wayne Brown as caretaker manager at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, until a decision is made on a permanent appointment.

Brown, who was also part of the U’s team that won promotion to the Championship, will be assisted by another ex-Blues defender, John McGreal.

Richard Hall, meanwhile, who took joint-caretaker charge of the team with McGreal, in the 5-1 defeat at Burton last Saturday, will remain at the club.

The U’s are looking for a successor to Tony Humes who departed the club after last Tuesday’s 3-2 home defeat to bottom side Crewe Alexandra.

Colchester remain out of the bottom four in League One by a point and chairman Robbie Cowling said: “Wayne Brown and John McGreal have been asked to take charge of first team matters at Colchester United on a caretaker basis whilst with the help of my fellow directors, I determine the next full-time management team.

“I am pleased to say that they have both accepted those roles and I would like to express my thanks to them both for helping the club out.

“I hope everyone involved with Colchester United can get behind Wayne and John and give them their full support.”

On Hall, Cowling added: “Richard very much remains a part of the club and the equation going forward.”