Brian Flynn believes leading Colchester United to a mid-table finish would be an achievement for Tony Humes in his first season in charge.

And the ex-Wales caretaker manager has no doubt his former central defender has what it takes to succeed in charge of the U’s.

Flynn, 59, who boasts more than four decades of experience in the game as a player and a manager, signed Humes from Ipswich Town while manager of Wrexham in 1992.

The Welshman made Humes his captain and upon the defender’s retirement from playing in 2001, appointed him as the Dragons’ academy director.

And the hugely-experienced Flynn, who also managed the likes of Swansea City and Doncaster Rovers, says his former player has always had impressive leadership qualities.

Flynn said: “I was delighted for Tony when he got the Colchester job.

“It was the pathway he’d been looking to go down.

“If he can lead Colchester to mid-table mediocrity this season, that would be an achievement in his first season in charge.

“When he was with me at Wrexham, he was a natural-born leader.

“He was a major signing for us and without doubt, the best signing I’ve ever made.

“Tony has all of the attributes needed to be a success as a manager.

“He understands things tactically and he’s very astute - I taught him everything!”

For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including Duguid's Diary, see Thursday's Daily Gazette.