COLCHESTER United caretaker-boss David Wright plans to hold fire before deciding whether to apply for the club’s vacant manager’s post.

The former defender has been asked to lead the team in their final two matches, following Kevin Keen’s departure on Tuesday.

He will take charge for tomorrow’s trip to Barnsley and next weekend’s home game against Rochdale and has already told his players they cannot let the season “fizzle out” – despite already being relegated to League Two.

However, only then will he consider whether to throw his hat into the ring as a possible successor.

“It’s a case of getting the next two games done and then speaking to (chairman) Robbie (Cowling) to see the direction he wants to go in and how I fit in,” said Wright, who had been Keen’s assistant.

“Then I’ll take stock in the summer and see what’s going to happen.

“I’ve had the craziest year.

“This time last year I was under-14s coach at Ipswich.

“Then I came here full-time to do the Maldon project and work with the under-21s. Then I become assistant manager.

“In a few weeks’ time, when I’m away on holiday, I’m sure I’ll reflect on it.

“Right now, I’m far too busy but for me personally and for my own development, it’s been a great year, in terms of learning things and seeing you things work.”

Wright confirmed that he does want to become a first-team manager and that he spoke to Cowling about taking over following Tony Humes’ departure.

“Like all the other staff members, I spoke to Robbie but I felt, at the time, that I wasn’t quite ready,” said Wright.

“These last few months, I’ve learned so much and I’m a lot further on now than when we had that conversation.

“Becoming a manager is my plan.

“I really enjoy working with the young ones in terms of the 18s and 21s.

“The contact with players and teaching them the game is what I really enjoy, but being involved with the first team is where I see myself in the future.”

Wright admitted being as shocked as anyone by Keen’s departure.

“I was really surprised and didn’t see it coming,” said Wright.

“We came in on Monday and Kevin went across to watch the under-21s against QPR.

“It seemed like it was going to be a normal week and then the news broke on Tuesday.

“Kevin came in and told me he was leaving. It was as simple as that.

“He’s been really good to work with.

“He’s been at some big clubs and worked at one of the biggest, in Liverpool.

“To tap into all his experiences and his knowledge of how to do things has been invaluable for me.

“It’s been very interesting to watch someone come into the club and try to set the team up and put his principles in place.

“Being a player, I’ve seen it done but I’ve never been in the office and seen how, step by step, you go about doing that.”

Looking ahead to the challenge of the final two weeks, Wright is adamant that his players must finish on a high in their last two League One matches.

“I’ve told the players I’m not letting this season fizzle out,” he said.

“I want to drive the boys on and we want to perform well against Barnsley and Rochdale.

“If you finish strongly, you bounce straight into next year and it’s very important that we do that.”

Wright will be assisted by under-21 academy coach Steve Ball.