U's are still undecided on new manager

By Derek Davis

COLCHESTER United chairman Peter Heard is hoping to parade a new manager before Saturday's pre-season friendly with Leyton Orient, at Layer Road, on Saturday.

The U's board were last night undecided on whom that man will be but the EADT understands that it is now unlikely that Scot Bobby Williamson will fill the Layer Road hot seat.

Heard admitted that the appointment was going frustratingly slower than hoped but it was imperative to get it right and was optimistic that the position will now be filled quickly.

Heard last night said: “It would be wrong to say who the new manager is as we have not yet decided. Things are not simple and the situation is circuitous but we are hopeful of concluding matters before the end of this week.”

Caretaker-manager Geraint Williams has taken charge of team matters since Phil Parkinson's acrimonious departure to Hull City but the delay in making an appointment would suggest he might not be the preferred choice.

Other names put forward include Chris Hughton, Kevin Ball, Mervyn Day, Andy Hessenthaller and Eric Black, although the latter can be ruled out, as Birmingham City would not give the U's permission to talk to him.

The delay could be due to Colchester being keen on a candidate who is connected with another club and the U's board will be keen to follow the correct procedure, even if that means a further delay.

Second interviews were held last weekend with key members of the club involved but the final decision will be down to chairman Heard and fellow directors Peter Powell and John Worsp.

Matters could be concluded as early as today but U's fans will be hoping to meet their new manager on Saturday when Colchester conclude their pre-season games against Barry Hearn's Leyton Orient.