COLCHESTER United youth-team coach Joe Dunne is ready to step back into the breach as the acting assistant manager - if required.

The 34-year-old Layer Road favourite - dubbed Mr Reliable' by the fans in his playing days - is keen to help out Geraint Williams again if the U's boss cannot find a quick replacement for Mick Harford who accepted a similar role with Queens Park Rangers last week.

Dunne told the Gazette: "If the club haven't got anybody in place by the time the pre-season programme starts I will be more than willing to step up and help out the manager again."