Colchester United on the lookout for new head coach

Cowley, 45, who has been without a job since leaving Pompey 12 months ago, is currently 2/1 favourite for the Colchester head coach role.

The former Huddersfield Town, Lincoln City and Braintree Town boss was in the stands for the U's 2-1 victory over Salford City, last month.

Cowley, who is Essex based, is currently ahead of second favourite Mark Bonner, in the bookies odds.

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The former Cambridge United manager is ranked as 4/1 with the bookies while current U's under-21 assistant coach Paul Konchesky is 6/1.

Former Cheltenham Town manager Wade Elliott is 7/1 and ex-Burnley and Shrewsbury Town boss Steve Cotterill is 8/1 as is current Colchester head of recruitment Ross Embleton, who has had two spells in temporary charge of Colchester.

Other names to be linked with the U’s job are Dino Maamria and Steve Morison.

Etherington was dismissed by Colchester on New Year’s Day, following their 1-0 home defeat to Gillingham.

He was in charge for 47 days and 11 games elapsed between Etherington’s appointment on a full-time basis and his dismissal.

Colchester's defeat against Gillingham was their eighth in nine matches, in all competitions.

Speaking after the Gillingham game, Etherington said: "The results haven't been good enough and I get that.

"I believe in working a certain way and I believe in my principles as a person and I'll keep being me."

Colchester lie third from bottom in the table, five points above the relegation zone.

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A statement from Colchester read: “Following this afternoon’s defeat against Gillingham, Colchester United have relieved Matty Etherington of his duties as Head Coach.

“The club would like to thank Matty for his time in charge of the first team.”

“No further comment will be made at this time.”

For a full list of odds, click here