WAYNE Brown says he is determined to continue John McGreal’s good work after being named as Colchester United’s new under-21 boss.

And the former U’s promotion winner insists he has no regrets at withdrawing from the running to become the club’s first-team manager, last year.

Brown has taken over as Colchester’s under-21 coach from McGreal, who was appointed as the club’s new first-team boss earlier this month.

Brown was front-runner to become the U’s first-team manager following Tony Humes’ departure last November but withdrew from the running, after deciding the time was not right for him.

However, Brown insists he does not regret the decision – and is now looking forward to helping more of Colchester’s youngsters progress to the first team.

Brown told the Daily Gazette: “Ultimately, managing at senior level is where I want to be.

“It was a very hard decision at the time but I don’t regret anything.

“I’ve been given a wonderful opportunity to coach the under-21s and I feel it’s a fantastic progression to do that.

“When the opportunity came up to take charge of the under-21s, I jumped at the chance and put my name in the hat.

“It gives me natural progression in my coaching career and an opportunity to work with a very talented group of individuals.

“John (McGreal) did very well with them last year and they can see the pathway that exists within the football club.

“They’re chomping at the bit to try and get into the first team and I want to help them achieve that.

“The majority of those in the under-21 group have come through the system and they know me and know what I’m all about.”

Brown will preside over the under-21s in Professional Development League Two next season, after stepping up from his role as under-18 boss.

He will work alongside former Ipswich Town and Manchester City midfielder Kevin Horlock, who has also been named as Maldon and Tiptree’s new boss as part of the Ryman League division north club’s link-up with the U’s.

Horlock spent the final few weeks of this season working with Brown coaching Colchester’s under-18 side and says he is looking forward to his new role.

Horlock said: “It will be brilliant coaching the under-21s with Wayne, who’s a top coach and someone I rate very highly.

“I’ve been in with them a bit over the last few weeks and I’m looking forward to carrying on the great work that John McGreal, Steve Ball and the players have done and hopefully help to produce more players for the first team.”