DAN Chesters has set his sights on impressing Colchester United’s new head coach – whomever it may be.
The on-loan West Ham United midfielder impressed for the U’s after making his first-ever league start in their 1-0 defeat to Rochdale.
Chesters is now waiting with the rest of the Colchester squad to see who is named as Wayne Brown’s successor, with an appointment expected before the weekend trip to AFC Wimbledon.
And the 20-year-old is looking to make an immediate impression when the new man is installed and keep his place in the U’s starting line-up.
Chesters said: “There’ll be a new gaffer in this week and I’ll try and impress and stay in the starting line-up against Wimbledon.
“As a pro, you have a lot of managers come and go and try and build connections with them but the next thing you know, they’re out of the door so you just have to keep going.
“It was sad news to see the previous gaffer go.
“Wayne has a big history with the club and he did a lot for us, last season.
“But that’s just football and some gaffers come and go.
“It’s the same as the players; you make good friendships with some players and obviously they just leave the next season, so it’s hard.
“In training, the mood hasn’t been too good recently.
“But hopefully, we can start picking up the form.”
Chesters was named the sponsors’ Colchester man of the match following his performance against Rochdale.
He shone in a right-sided role, after being handed his first league start with the U’s.
“I’m really happy to get my first league start,” said Chesters, who made his maiden Premier League appearance for West Ham United when he came on as a substitute in their game at Liverpool, in March.
“All of the boys have been really good with me and I’m just happy to be here.
“I was really happy that people voted me man of the match.
“I treat every game the same – just come out and try and play my best football and hopefully help the team get the three points.”
Chesters has already shown that he can play as a central midfielder and also in wide positions, in his embryonic career.
“I think my favourite position is number ten – if I can get on the ball and make things happen and get shots on target,” he added.
“But I love playing on the right and taking on defenders.”
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