Kevin Keen’s decision to quit as Colchester United manager took the club’s players by surprise, according to keeper Sam Walker.

The U’s are looking for a new boss after Keen made a shock exit from the Weston Homes Community Stadium hot seat, after just four months in charge.

Colchester’s players will report for training at Florence Park this morning for the first time since Keen’s departure was announced, on Tuesday.

David Wright will take temporary charge of the U’s for their final two League One games of the season, against Barnsley on Saturday and Rochdale on May 8.

Walker told the Daily Gazette: “I think the news of him (Kevin Keen) going took us all by surprise.

“But he’s made his decision and it’s time for us as players and as a club to move on.

“From the statement that was made, it seems as though there were discussions between the manager and the owner over the future direction of the club and he’s decided not to stay.

“I said the same when Tony Humes left his position as manager last November – as players, we’re not privy to what goes on behind the scenes and we have to be professional and crack on with it.

“We don’t have too much say or involvement in it and you have to be flexible enough to go about our business.”

Colchester will be playing for pride when they travel to take on play-off-chasing Barnsley at Oakwell, on Saturday.

But keeper Walker, who is back on the training ground following his serious knee injury, says securing three points remains their main target, despite their relegation being confirmed.

He added: “There are a lot of different emotions going on at the moment. But I know that our boys will be professional in both games and go out to win.

“Of course, the mood has been quite low since the relegation was confirmed.

“But we’re professional players and the boys who play against Barnsley will go out there and try and get three points.”