Colchester United’s next opponents, Shrewsbury Town, could end up appointing Robbie Fowler as their new manager.

But there is no prospect of the ex-England and Liverpool striker being installed before the Shrews visit the Weston Homes Community Stadium next Tuesday evening – the U’s have no game this weekend.

Fowler is regarded as an outside bet to replace Graham Turner, who stood down as Shrewsbury manager on Tuesday.

The ambitious Fowler was linked with the Macclesfield job last year, and was on the six-man shortlist. The job went to John Askey instead.

But whoever is eventually appointed as the Shrews’ new boss, it will be caretaker Michael Jackson who leads out the Shropshire club against the U’s next week.

Former defender Jackson has been put in charge for the next three games, at Swindon on Saturday, at Colchester and at home to Brentford.

The U’s and Shrews have been going in opposite directions in recent weeks.

Turner’s decision to stand down, at New Meadow, coincided with a run of fives defeats from their last six matches. By contrast, Joe Dunne’s men have taken 13 points from a possible 18 in their last six games.

The return of Sanchez Watt and Freddie Sears, after injury, has also been a big boost for the Essex club, as has keeper Sam Walker’s decision to sign an 18-month contract this week.

But Dunne has warned against getting too carried away.

“We are enjoying winning now. It’s very important to get the buzz of winning, and my dressing room is buzzing at the moment,” enthused Dunne.

“I’m sure there will be more good days ahead, but not all the time. My job as manager is to stay focused on how we can still improve it.

“We weren’t at our best at Carlisle (4-2 win last weekend), but let’s not wallow in that. There will be time for criticism at another time. It’s so far, so good, with us.”