Colchester United manager Kevin Keen has left the club this afternoon.

The U’s relegation to League Two was confirmed, following the Essex club’s 3-0 defeat to Burton Albion on Saturday.

Keen had only been in charge for four months, following his arrival as Tony Humes’ successor on December 21.

The club has issued the following statement this afternoon:

‘After a meeting with the owner, Robbie Cowling over the future direction of the club, Kevin Keen has decided to leave Colchester United with immediate effect.

‘Kevin has worked tirelessly to try and turn around the fortunes of the club this season.

‘We wish Kevin all the best in his future career.

‘David Wright has agreed to take the team for the remaining two games of the current season.

‘There will be no further comment from the club at this time.’

Keen was only in charge of the U’s for a total of 127 days, in what was his first senior manager’s job.

The ex-West Ham midfielder, who had experience as a coach (West Ham and Liverpool) and assistant manager (at West Brom and Reading) before his arrival at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, only managed to collect 19 points from his 22 games at the helm.

The U’s had managed 22 points from 20 games, when Keen was appointed. Now the U’s have 39 points from 44 fixtures.