COLCHESTER United caretaker manager Geraint Williams last night confirmed that now is the right time for him to move into the manager's chair on a permanent basis.

By Elvin King

COLCHESTER United caretaker manager Geraint Williams last night confirmed that now is the right time for him to move into the manager's chair on a permanent basis.

He is still waiting to hear if he will replace Phil Parkinson in the hot seat at Layer Road, and is aware that he could be making his last U's selection for tonight's home friendly against Brighton & Hove Albion.

“I would not have applied for the job if I did not think I was capable of doing it,” said Williams, who was waiting for a call that never came on Sunday night.

He was very much part of the media day yesterday when photographs were taken for the coming season.

But Williams, who has the backing of his players and has never lost a game while in charge of the team, is naturally concerned that the continuing delay might work against him.

“I had a second interview on Sunday morning, and was hoping a decision would be made that night,” added Williams.

“I understand that the board is still deliberating and the decision might be a few more days yet.

“Being manager of Colchester after promotion to the Championship is a challenge I relish. I do not do things by half.

“It is the right time for me, having spent the last three years working closely with Phil Parkinson. It has given me an insight into management, having solely concentrated on coaching before.”

Williams has been in charge of pre-season training and said: “The players have been fantastic, and it is important that we have got them ready for the new campaign.

“Hopefully the club will select the right man for the good of the club.”

Williams, who would be expected to work with current youth team manager Joe Dunne, would not be drawn on what he would do if a manager was brought in from outside.

Teddy Sheringham is a name that has been mentioned as the man to lead Colchester as they embark on a season at the highest level in their history.

It would be a gamble to take on a managerial unknown, and it remains to be seen if any experienced managers are also in the frame.

“I am talking to Phil Parkinson on a regular basis, and will continue to do so,” added Williams, although there is a clause in the deal that saw Parkinson move to Hull that rules out any other United officials following him inside 12 months.

Talking about tonight's game against a Brighton side relegated from the Championship at the end of last season, Williams said: “We will select a side that will represent our desire to win the game.

“But it is also important to improve fitness levels with the new season rapidly approaching.”

Talking about the appointment of a new manager, chief executive Marie Partner said: “An announcement will be made later this week.

“Interviews went well and it was very encouraging. We will not make a hasty decision, but one that is right for the club.”

COLCHESTER United have announced the biggest sponsorship deal in their history with the MutualPoints.com logo being on home kit shirts in a one-year deal.

MutualPoints.com are the largest and fastest growing shopping portal in the UK that pays members to shop online.

Colchester will be backed on their travels by Smart Energy UK, the largest installer of domestic solar water heating systems in the UK.

This is also a one-year deal, with Easy-Skip again on the United shirts, but this season in a secondary position.