MATTY Etherington has been placed in interim charge at Colchester United.

The 42-year-old, who is the U's under-21 lead coach, will take temporary charge of the club's first team while the club considers its long-term options, following Ben Garner's departure on Saturday night.

Etherington will be assisted by assistant head coach Scott Marshall and first-team coach Dave Huzzey for tomorrow's game at Grimsby Town, with the backroom staff at the club remaining unchanged.

 

As a result of Etherington stepping up to first-team duties, Liam Bailey has been placed in charge of Colchester's under-21 side for the immediate future, including tomorrow's Professional Development League game against Charlton Athletic.

Etherington is currently the bookmakers' favourite to take charge at Colchester, following Garner's dismissal.

READ MORE: Former U's keeper among early bookies favourites for head coach job

He takes temporary charge of a side that have lost their last four league games and currently lie second from bottom, in the League Two table.

Etherington arrived at Colchester in June, after being appointed as their new uner-21 boss.

He previously spent time as Crawley Town’s head coach last season and also coached Peterborough United’s first team, under-21s and under-18s.

Etherington enjoyed a successful playing career, making almost 300 Premier League appearances or the likes of Spurs, West Ham and Stoke across a period of almost 20 years.