Colchester United caretaker manager Wayne Brown, who progressed up through the Academy coaching ranks, under the guidance of former first-team boss Tony Humes, has been quick to praise the role of Humes over the last few years.

East Anglian Daily Times: Former U's boss, Tony HumesFormer U's boss, Tony Humes (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

Humes stood down as U’s boss last Thursday week, before that weekend’s 5-1 defeat at Burton, and it was Brown who was elevated to caretaker manager for last Sunday’s 3-2 win over Altrincham in the FA Cup.

“Let me just put it out there on record – I’ve got so much admiration and respect for Tony,” insisted Brown.

Humes departed after 15 months at the helm, and chairman Robbie Cowling is in the process of looking for a permanent successor, with Brown himself putting his name forward for the job.

Brown continued: “It’s been a little bit helter-skelter for me over the last few days, but I want to say a few words about Tony.

“He brought me into this football club, and gave me a chance to get back within this environment, to apply myself as a coach, and I’ve learnt so much off him.

“I think he has been a great help, not just for me, but for the progress of this club, moving it forward over the last seven or eight years that he has been here.

“I don’t think people quite understand or realise the importance that Tony has played within the progression of this football club, so I am grateful to him for that.

“He’s somebody I have looked up to. He always has time for you, the way he went about his business, and his door was always open.

“That meant a lot, and goes a long way, not just for me but for the whole of the back-room staff.”

The U’s entertain bottom club Barnsley in a League One fixture this Saturday, with Brown again expected to be in charge on a caretaker basis.