Colchester United have vowed not to make a knee-jerk appointment as they search for Paul Lambert’s successor.

But the U’s have already had a ‘remarkable’ amount of interest for the job, from a large number of candidates.

Colchester would ideally like to have their new man in place before the end of the month, although they have set themselves a three-week deadline to make an appointment.

Adrian Boothroyd, Iain Dowie, Mark Kinsella and former U’s striker Teddy Sheringham are among the names already linked with the manager’s job.

Andy Scott has impressed at Coca-Cola League One newcomers Brentford.

And caretaker boss Joe Dunne will also be hoping to stake his claim for the job on a permanent basis, after guiding the U’s to a fine 2-1 win over Gillingham last night.

Colchester chief executive Steve Bradshaw said: “We have already had a remarkable amount of interest from a large amount of candidates.

“But it’s really important not to make a knee-jerk appointment.

“Three weeks is the outside limit but if it happens before that, then all well and good.

“Paul has brought in some very good players. We have looked very well-drilled and fitter.

“What has happened is frustrating but if I was a manager coming in, I’d say I’m having that.

“We want a winner.

“We want someone who has good values and who understands the club.

“They have to have a very good idea about what we are about.”

Meanwhile, long-serving midfielder Kem Izzet said the U’s players were philosophical about Lambert’s departure.

He said: “Players and managers come and go and it’s about moving on and rolling with the punches and getting on with it.

“It was up to us to carry on where we had started this season.”

Caretaker boss Dunne described leading Colchester to victory against his former club last night as the ‘greatest’ footballing day of his life.

He said: “The players were excellent.

“We are top of the league still and we will take the win.

“It had been a manic day and in a way, it’s good that the game is now out of the way.”