Colchester United have brought in Paul Tisdale in an advisory role until the end of the season.

The 48-year-old has been brought in to help new head coach Hayden Mullins, who has taken charge for the U's final eight games of the League Two season as they battle to beat the drop.

Tisdale has a wealth of experience as an EFL manager.

He spent 12 years as Exeter City boss between 2006 and 2018, presiding over 626 games in that time.

Tisdale led the Grecians to promotion to League Two in 2008, following their play-off final win over Cambridge United.

And the following season, he guided Exeter to runners-up spot in League Two, becoming the first manager in the club's history to secure them back-to-back promotions.

When Tisdale eventually left Exeter in 2018, he was the longest-serving manager in English football's top four divisions.

Tisdale has gone on to have spells in charge at MK Dons, whom he secured automatic promotion back to League One at the first attempt and Bristol Rovers.

He left his role with the Pirates in February, after a poor run of results.

Tisdale now has the task of helping Colchester avoid the dreaded drop out of the Football League.

Speaking yesterday after being appointed as U's head coach until the end of the season, Mullins said Tisdale will be an 'asset' for the U's.

He said: “The club are having on-going discussions.

“I’m aware and I know what’s going on but I want to keep it private, at the moment.

“Whoever comes in has got to put the club first and I think they’re going to do that and I think it’s going to be a welcome addition.

“He’s someone who knows the division really well and will be an asset to the football club.

“Sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes coming in externally looking at things differently can give you a different overview and different look of things.

“He’s someone who knows the league, which will be very useful."

Tisdale is expected to be alongside Mullins in the technical area for their trip to play Bolton Wanderers tomorrow.