The main focus over recent days has been on Tony Humes and his appointment as Colchester United’s new manager.

But his decision to choose Richard Hall as the man to work alongside him might prove to be equally as significant, in the long run.

They say that behind every good manager, there is an equally good assistant.

And history has proved that having a competent right-hand man can be as crucial as picking the right team or adopting the correct tactics.

There have been numerous successful managerial partnerships at the top of English football over the years: the working relationships between Brian Clough and Peter Taylor, Bill Nicholson and Eddie Baily and Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley are among the most memorable.

Indeed, the coaching combination between Phil Parkinson and Geraint Williams played a big part in helping Colchester win promotion to the Championship in 2006, arguably the club’s greatest-ever achievement.

Having a competent, loyal yet honest assistant is a must for any manager.

And the fact that Humes and Hall are both talented, intelligent coaches who have worked closely together for a number of years, initially at Ipswich Town and then at the U’s, could prove to be key.

On the evidence of their opening game in charge at Walsall, it is clear that their respective styles differ when it comes to matchday demeanour.

While Humes mostly stood calmly in the technical area taking the game in, glancing down occasionally to scribble down notes, Hall was far more animated, barking out instructions and constantly trying to get messages across.

That difference in approach is likely to be evident on the training ground, too.

Such contrasting styles can be important in keeping players focused on the task at hand.

As his right-hand man, Hall will play an important role in Humes’ managerial reign at Colchester.

He will assist him with a range of different duties, not least helping to cement the relationship between player and manager.

As boss, Humes will ultimately take responsibility for Colchester’s results and performances.

But Hall’s influence and input promises to play an important role in determining whether or not his time in charge of the U’s is a success.