The U's board will draw up a list of up to five potential managers when they meet next Monday to review the applications received for the vacant manager's job, with interviews expected to take place either side of next weekend.

The club are said to be impressed with the 30+ applications they have received so far, but one name that won't be on that list is former U's player Teddy Sheringham, after his agent confirm that he wouldn't be applying.

A surprise name to express their interest in the job is former West Ham United and Liverpool defender Julian Dicks. The 41-year-old has very little managerial experience having only managed professionally at local side Wivenhoe Town, but that hasn't put him off applying, telling the Colchester Gazette: "I think I have enough experience to go to Colchester and do a good job for them."

Meanwhile, one of the fans' favourites for the job, current caretaker boss Joe Dunne, has played down his chances of getting the job full time, telling the club's website: "There are names being banded about for the manager's position who have had plenty of experience, often at more than one club

"I would probably be a bit crazy to join in with that, but I do want to manage a club at some stage in the future.”

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