John McGreal has been appointed the new first team coach of Colchester United.
McGreal was unveiled at a press conference at the Weston Homes Community Stadium this afternoon.
The 43-year-old has been a key figure in the U’s Academy, in recent years, and was joint interim manager of the first team for one match, with Richard Hall (5-1 defeat Burton), following previous manager Tony Humes’ departure last November.
Kevin Keen was Humes’ eventual successor, but he only lasted 127 days in the job, before he parted company with the U’s last week.
David Wright took caretaker charge, for last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Barnsley.
The U’s relegation to League Two had already been confirmed the week before, with a 3-0 home defeat by Burton, which was Keen’s last match at the helm.
McGreal was a no-nonsense centre-half during his playing days, mainly with Tranmere, Ipswich Town and Burnley.
He will take over at the end of the season.
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