COLCHESTER have sacked manager Matty Etherington following their 1-0 defeat to Gillingham this afternoon.
The result leaves the U’s languishing 22nd in League Two.
Etherington, 42, was appointed in October to succeed Ben Garner, having previously been coaching Colchester’s Under-21 side.
He oversaw 16 games as boss, initially on an interim basis and then full-time, winning five, drawing one and losing 10.
A brief statement confirming their boss’ exit read: “Following this afternoon’s defeat against Gillingham, Colchester United have relieved Matty Etherington of his duties as Head Coach.
“The club would like to thank Matty for his time in charge of the first team.
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“No further comment will be made at this time.”
Colchester were consigned to today’s home defeat to Gillingham by Scott Malone’s 54th minute effort.
It was their third loss in a row, having fallen 5-3 at AFC Wimbledon and 1-0 at MK Dons.
After today’s defeat, but prior to being sacked, Etherington said: “I’m fully aware of the situation we’re in and the run of results that we’re on.
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“I won’t shirk away from anyone and I’ll keep doing the job to the best of my ability.
“The results haven’t been good enough and I get that.
“I believe in working a certain way and I believe in my principles as a person and I’ll keep being me.”
Etherington previously managed Peterborough for one game as caretaker boss in February 2022.
He then landed the Crawley job in November of that year, only to be bizarrely sacked after just THREE games.
Etherington played in the Premier League for Tottenham, West Ham and Stoke before hanging up his boots in 2014.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk