Robbie Cowling says he will make as much money as possible available for new boss Kevin Keen in next month’s transfer window.

The Colchester United chairman said earlier this month that signing a new centre-half is a “top priority”.

The U’s have conceded 55 goals in League One this season, the worst defensive record in all of the top four divisions.

Cowling said: “There’ll be some funds available in January.

“We follow strict rules in terms of what we can and can’t do with the budget.

“I’ve promised Kevin that I’ll have a look and we’re going to squeeze every penny that we can out of it.”

Meanwhile, Cowling has said appointing Keen’s assistant was a “tough choice” between Wayne Brown and David Wright.

Wright, who had been coaching the U’s under-21s along with fulfilling a part-time role in charge of Ryman League North outfit Maldon and Tiptree, will work alongside Keen as his number two.

Brown, who took charge of Colchester’s last three matches in a caretaker role following Tony Humes’ departure, will now revert back to an academy coaching role.

“It was a tough choice,” said Cowling, who confirmed that Richard Hall is currently away from the club due to illness.

“Wayne’s down brilliantly and been such a good person for the club.

“And when we weighed up internally who was thought was going to be the most likely number one he was the choice.

“But when it came to an assistant - and I did want an internal assistant - I felt David was the best candidate.

“Have I made the right decision on the assistant? I think I absolutely have.

“Was it 100 per cent fair on Wayne? Maybe I was a little harsh on him.

“I have to make the right decisions and want to give Kevin the best opportunity to do really well at this club.

“We looked internally and there were a lot of moves that could have happened.

“As it happens now, though, there aren’t really that many.

“Wayne (Brown) and Steve Ball will continue taking the under-18s and John McGreal will take the under-21s.

“The only change internally at the moment is in the first-team with Richard (Hall) and Tony (Humes) and David (Wright) with Maldon and Tiptree.”