Tony Humes should be given the chance to do his job as manager of Colchester United.

That is the view of U’s general manager Tim Waddington, in the wake of chairman Robbie Cowling’s admission that Humes will remain in charge next season even if they are relegated to League Two.

Colchester are battling to preserve their third-tier status and are four points adrift of safety, with three games remaining.

Some U’s fans called for Humes to be removed from his position as manager during their 2-2 draw with Scunthorpe United, last weekend.

But while he admits it has been a difficult season for the U’s, Waddington says Humes should be allowed to continue in the hot seat – and believes the club’s former academy manager will benefit from what he has been through in his first season as a Football League boss.

Waddington said: “Tony will be much stronger next season, no matter what division we’re in.

“He and (assistant manager) Richard Hall will have nearly a full season of management under their belt and our young players will also have that experience behind them.

“One of the big mistakes in sport is the culling of individuals, which is irrational.

“What we did when we appointed Tony was give the job to someone who knows the club and is a good manager.

“What you have to do is deliver the results and it’s been a difficult experience so far.

“But Tony has done well with what he’s got and he will have learnt a lot over the course of this season.

“The right thing to do is to give the manager a chance to do his job.

“It’s disappointing that some are not supporting the manager but what we’re doing is over the long-term.”

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.