FORMER Colchester United head coach John McGreal has linked up with Ipswich Town to work with their U23s and development squads.

The ex-U's boss, who was in charge of Colchester for four years before leaving them in the summer of 2020, will take on a coaching role with the young Blues.

Ipswich Director of Football Operations Gary Probert told the Town website: "We are delighted to welcome John to the Club.

"His role will be supporting Kieron Dyer with the U23s, with a real focus on working with individual players alongside their development plans.

"John knows the Club well and brings a wealth of experience to our setup."

McGreal spent a total of 11 years as a coach at Colchester, including four years as head coach.

He led the U's to the League Two play-offs and League Cup quarter-finals for only the second time in their history, last season.

McGreal also helped the U’s compete for a top-seven finish in his first three years in charge, along with helping a number of talented players progress to a higher level, after shining under his management.

He parted company with Colchester in the summer of 2020, with his assistant Steve Ball succeeding him as head coach.

McGreal had a brief stint in charge at Swindon but left after a month in the role after off-the-field problems at the League Two club.

The former defender now returns to Ipswich, whom he served well as a player and helped achieve promotion to the Premier League, in 2000.

McGreal made 150 appearances for the Blues, scoring five goals, before joining Burnley in 2004.