New Colchester United boss Tony Humes will not be implementing any radical changes following his appointment on Monday, writes Carl Marston.

When his predecessor, Joe Dunne, became U’s boss just under two years ago, he immediately signed three new players – Jabo Ibehre, Sanchez Watt and Craig Eastmond – as well as bringing in a new assistant in Mark Kinsella, all on the same day.

Dunne was also quick to instil a new playing style within the club, with the emphasis on playing from the back, with every player expected to be comfortable on the ball.

Monday was transfer deadline day, in terms of permanent deals, but new boss Humes never had any intention of recruiting any new players, not that there was money available.

Instead, the 48-year-old will look to continue with Dunne’s philosophy, although tweaking it to accommodate his own ideas, and might later bolster the squad with a few loans, if necessary.

“We want to build on what is already in place this season,” insisted Humes, with reference to himself and his assistant, Richard Hall, the former development coach.

“It’s not been all that bad, in terms of performance, so we have to keep the players feeling very positive.

“We will be keeping them in the right frame of mind for Saturday (at Walsall).

“We do have different ideas on the game, as everybody does, but they won’t be too far away from what has happened already.

“We will be looking to build on the style of play and the philosophy that is in place. We are not going to move away from what has been done in the past. We won’t be totally radical.

“It’s too early to say, with regards loans. You have to take stock of what is there, and see what happens on Saturday.

“I’m open to possibilities, but I don’t want to be too hasty because there are some good players here,” concluded Humes.