Colchester United chairman Robbie Cowling has backed manager Tony Humes in an impassioned statement.

And the U's supremo insists he will not be dismissing the U's boss, despite the club's disappointing start to the new season.

Colchester have failed to win any of their opening seven league and cup matches, this season.

Cowling stressed he will not take the "quick fix" and follow the lead of two of his League One counterparts, who have recently dismissed their managers.

And in a week where he celebrated the ninth anniversary of taking ownership of the U's, he reiterated he loves the club and cares for its long-term future.

Cowling said: "Yes, the last three years have been difficult and the next few years won’t be easy either.

"But I am happy with the way I invest my time, effort and money in the managerial staff we have at Colchester United so if you are thinking of writing to me about my manager’s future, please save your stamps."

For the full story, see Thursday's Daily Gazette.