JOE Dunne, who was first-team coach during Aidy Boothroyd’s one season at Colchester United (2009-10), has nothing but admiration for his old boss.

In fact Dunne, who is only two years his junior at 39, insists that he owes much to Boothroyd, in terms of his own rise to the U’s hot-seat just two weeks ago.

Tonight, Dunne takes his U’s side to Sixfields, to take on Boothroyd’s Northampton Town in a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy second round tie (kick-off 7.45pm).

“Aidy was a pivotal moment in my career, because he opened up my eyes to the resources that are available,” explained Dunne.

“He sent me to Ajax, for contacts. I met other people and he made me follow what my beliefs were, although I was working for Aidy at the time.

“He told me to make sure that I developed my own ideas. He was certainly a big influence on my career.

“And then I was lucky enough to just follow into John (Ward), who as a mentor was very good for me. Those kind of people have helped me to adapt to what has happened today.

“So it will be great to see Aidy again,” added Dunne.

The Dubliner will make changes this evening, for the first time in his short tenure as U’s boss.

Dunne has fielded the same starting XI, for his first three league games, but tonight will be a chance for him to experiment.