John Ward has insisted he is hungrier than ever for success as a manager.

Ward has ended an 18-month exile from outright management after taking over as Colchester United's new boss.

The 59-year is vastly experienced in the game, having coached or managed at all levels after starting out as Graham Taylor's right-hand man at Watford, in 1982.

Now he has been handed the chance to take the U's on, after replacing Aidy Boothroyd in the hotseat.

Ward said: “In terms of hunger, you don’t have to ask that question of me.

“The chairman asked me that and I told him I want to do a job.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to say I can still take this on.

“I’m a coach - I’m on the training ground and you won’t see me on the touchline in my suit.

“I don’t feel comfortable doing that.

“I want to be in my tracksuit and working with players alongside Joe.

“It really excites me that I’ve got this opportunity to further develop my career, because I don’t think I’m finished at all yet.

“It gives me a chance to push on and see if I can get a promotion with this football club."

For a four-page special on Ward's appointment as Colchester United's new manager, see Tuesday's Gazette.