WAYNE Brown, the Colchester United defender, says that the U's need to bring in five or six new players to have a realistic chance of staying in the Championship.

By Elvin King

WAYNE Brown, the Colchester United defender, says that the U's need to bring in five or six new players to have a realistic chance of staying in the Championship.

Promoted from League One at the end of last season, Colchester have been in turmoil for much of the summer following the move of manager Phil Parkinson to Hull City.

They have still not named a new manager, with former Ipswich Town midfielder Geraint Williams in caretaker charge and hoping to get the job permanently later this week.

“It is going to be a challenge for us,” said Brown, who has made 50 appearances for Ipswich Town and scored two goals.

“We have lost a manager and when you taken into account loanees around half a team.

“Realistically, we need to increase our squad by five or six or we will have no cover for injuries. Without this happening it will be difficult to stay up, with sides like Coventry signing a number of players.”

Brown, who has just finished helping to build a new home for himself and his family at Hadleigh, joins the rest of the players in hoping that Williams gets the job.

The 28-year-old defender added: “We know he can do the job, and he has the backing of us all. He has kept us going through all the confusion.

“We enjoyed a fantastic 2005/06, but must draw a line under that now. I know I can perform at the new level, but we appreciate it will be tough.”