Danny Cowley appointed Colchester United head coach

The U's have appointed Danny Cowley as their new head coach alongside his brother Nicky, after they agreed a deal until at least the summer of 2026 to take the hot seat at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Colchester sporting director Dmitri Halajko has revealed the club wanted to appoint the Cowleys soon after Etherington was dismissed, following the U's 1-0 home defeat to Gillingham.

READ MORE: Danny Cowley's message to Colchester fans after appointment

Halajko said: "After the (Gillingham) game on Monday, it was a long night.

"We were in the boardroom thinking about what would be the next best steps.

"The chairman was firm that they would be our number one choice, right from an early point.

"So straight from that, that was the directive that was given and there was then a lot of hard work, to make that happen.

"I know them both as they were both on my Pro Licence, so that helps as there's mutual trust and mutual respect already there and that makes it easier because you're not starting from a blank sheet of paper and we know each other well anyway.

"They're from the area and they know a bit about the club as well, which also helps.

"That helped us speed it up quicker than it would normally take with some other managers.

"It's been a really long 48 hours to get it over the line but we're ever so pleased we have."

Halajko says the Cowleys were pleased to be contacted by Colchester about the job, prior to taking their first managerial role since departing League One side Portsmouth, 12 months ago.

"They were certainly excited straight away, to hear the call," said Halajko.

"It's a club they've always seen from afar and know well and I think because they're from the area, they know what it means and it means that little bit more.

READ MORE: Cowley brothers' talent and enthusiasm is just what U's need

"They needed persuading in terms of us telling them about the project and what we want to do and how we think they can help us; I think that's part of the process.

"But right from the first phone call, there was positivity and enthusiasm there and I think that's what they always bring, along with high energy.

"It was straight from the first phone call and that's how we started really."

Danny Cowley has replaced Etherington, who was dismissed on Monday night following a disappointing run of form.

Halajko added: "It was a really tough decision.

"I really feel for Matty, because he came into a really difficult situation and I was trying to help to turn us around and he had some really unfortunate moments that didn't quite work for him and results fell the wrong way, because of that.

"He's a good person and a really good coach so hopefully, he can recover from this and his career I'm sure will still take off in whatever avenue he wants to take it."