WAYNE Brown has had to make some decisions since being appointed Colchester United's interim head coach.

The former U's defender has had a bigger squad to choose from since taking over following Hayden Mullins' exit in January, following ten new additions in the transfer window.

The arrival of the likes of Tom Dallison, Myles Kenlock and Owura Edwards has pushed other players down the pecking order.

The likes of Brendan Wiredu, Tom Eastman, Luke Hannant, Miles Welch-Hayes and Cameron Coxe have all experienced time out of the matchday 18, over recent weeks.

But they have all been involved again of late, with Eastman, Hannant and Coxe all starting the 1-0 defeat at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night and Welch-Hayes on the bench.

Brown says his door will always be open for those players who find themselves out of favour - and that he will be 'open and honest' with them about why they are not involved.

Brown said: “Everyone is going to be needed and that was proven again at Bristol Rovers, with Tom Eastman coming back in having not been in the 18.

“In some games, it’s been a frustrating period for him but he was great the other night for us – solid and a big part of what we’re doing.

“We’ve got nine games left and it’s just about keeping everyone on board, not them showing disappointment which is going to be the natural thing if you’re left out of a squad.

“There’s got to be a belief that there’s a bit of equality here and if you come in and do well, you keep your shirt.

“That’s the only way that you can generate hungry players, competition for places and ultimately winning games of football.

“Everyone’s different.

“Some people are vocal, some people need to come and see you for an explanation as to why, other lads are quiet and bide their time but make sure they’re ready when they’re called upon.

“My door is always open and I’ll be as open and as honest as I am with everybody on why they’re not in the team and also give them stuff to work on to try and get back into the fold, so that when we do call upon them, they’re there, hungry and ready to do a job."

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One player who is back in the team now having spent time on the sidelines is Cameron Coxe.

The right-back found himself out of favour initially when Brown took over with Junior Tchamadeu preferred in the position but the former Cardiff City youngster has started the U's last six games.

“Cam has been brilliant in the fact that I’ve come in and Junior was doing particularly well, so he had the place in the team.

“Cam had to be patient; we’ve asked him to play a game for the 23s to keep his fitness and sharpness and his attitude and mentality was spot on for that game.

“There’s a perfect case in point, where a lad has found himself out of the team and the squad, not travelling to games and being involved and then one week, he’s thrown in.

“So it’s about everyone having the buy in and everyone being ready and able to be the fittest and sharpest they can be to help the team and the group to achieve three points, when called upon.

Brown has now presided over 13 games as Colchester's interim head coach, since taking over on January 19.

He is preparing his side for their home clash with Forest Green Rovers on Monday night, which is also a Game for Ukraine.

But is he enjoying the experience of being in charge of Colchester and attempting to steer them away from League Two relegation peril?

“I don’t think you can enjoy it, if I’m honest because you’re always looking for the next one," he said.

“You’re always looking for improvement from individuals, from units and from the collective.

“The work doesn’t stop; it’s relentless with the fixtures we’ve got coming up.

“The only way you do enjoy it is probably at the end of the season when you look back on the successes you’ve had.

“The staff are working extremely hard to improve on performances and those little percentages that we need to give ourselves the best chance of winning the next game."