HIS reign as Colchester United head coach was brief.
But Kevin Keen, who was appointed as the U's boss six years ago today, remains the U's only external first-team managerial appointment in the last decade.
In December 2015, the former West Ham United favourite took charge following Tony Humes’ departure, the previous month.
Wayne Brown has been the caretaker in charge of the club for three games, prior to Keen's appointment.
“I can’t wait to get started," the former Liverpool, West Bromwich Albion and Reading coach told the assembled media at his unveiling as U's boss.
“I’m just looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“I’m full of enthusiasm and there are games coming up over the festive period that we can really get our teeth into.
“The realistic aim is to keep the club in the division and perhaps do even better than that.
“I want to come in and keep playing the good football and scoring the goals that the club has been scoring.
“But at the same time, we know that we have to make a few changes to try and get a few results on the pitch which will keep us in the division.
“I’ve seen two or three games now and I don’t think there’s a lot wrong.
“It’s just a matter of having a little bit of confidence and working hard on the training pitch and making sure we start getting the results.
“There are changes that are for me to look at and work out over the next six days.
“I’ve got ideas in my head on how we should train and how we should play but I’m not going to say them here.
“They are little things that will hopefully make a difference and improve the team.”
It was a tough task for Keen, in his first managerial role.
He inherited a Colchester side that had lost their last seven league matches in League One.
And ironically, his first game in charge of the U's was against Southend United, in a Boxing Day Essex derby.
It ended in a disappointing 2-0 home loss and although there was success in the FA Cup with Colchester beating Charlton Athletic to reach the fourth round, league points were not forthcoming.
Indeed, Keen had to wait 12 games to record his first league victory as U's boss, a 2-1 win at Bradford City.
After an FA Cup exit at the hands of Spurs, a further three wins in the league followed in March and April to spark slim hopes of survival.
But Colchester managed just five wins and seven draws in Keen's 24 games in charge.
It was not enough to preserve the U's League One status and Keen's final game in charge was the 3-0 defeat by Burton Albion that confirmed the U's fate.
Three days after their relegation was confirmed, Keen left his position in April 2016.
A club statement said: "After a meeting with the owner, Robbie Cowling, over the future direction of the club, Kevin Keen has decided to leave Colchester United with immediate effect.
"Kevin has worked tirelessly to try and turn around the fortunes of the club this season.
"We wish Kevin all the best in his future career. David Wright has agreed to take the team for the remaining two games of the current season."
Keen went on to coach at Southend and is currently back at his former club West Ham United, coaching their under-18s.
Colchester appointed John McGreal as Keen's successor, a few weeks later.
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