Colchester United have appointed Tony Humes as their new manager.

Tony Humes was unveiled as the new U’s boss at an official press conference at the Weston Homes Community Stadium this afternoon.

Joe Dunne left the club by mutual consent earlier in the day, after one month short of two years in charge, with assistant boss Mark Kinsella also following him out of the door.

The U’s are currently second from bottom of League One, with just one point gained from their first five league games, the club’s worst start to a season for 39 years.

Dunne’s departure has paved the way for ex-Ipswich Town defender Humes to move up from his role as Academy manager to the first team hot seat.

“It’s a proud moment for me,” insisted Humes at this evening’s press conference.

“It’s always tinged with a touch of sadness when someone has to leave, especially someone like Joe, who has been a great servant to the club over many, many years.

“There’s always sadness with that. However, it is a very proud moment for myself.”

Richard Hall will step up from his role as Development Coach to become Humes’ first team assistant.

Karl Duguid, meanwhile, is to step down from his position as first team coach to work with the youth team Academy.

Chairman and owner, Robbie Cowling, said: “I’ve worked alongside Tony for the last five years he has been at the club, so he’s been at Colchester a long time now.

“He’s done an excellent job for the club in terms of driving our Academy forward.

“I think we have one of the best Acadamies going, and I wanted to give Tony that chance now at the next level of the game.”