Former Bradford City, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United man sacked by League Two club

The 42-year-old was given the role on a permanent basis as recently as November 2023, after a stint as caretaker boss. However, a dip in form has prompted the U’s to wield the axe.

A 1-0 defeat at home to Gillingham that left the club hovering five points above the relegation zone proved to be the final straw.

Colchester’s statement read: “Colchester United and Matty Etherington part company. Following this afternoon’s defeat against Gillingham, Colchester United have relieved Matty Etherington of his duties as head coach.

“The club would like to thank Matty for his time in charge of the first team. No further comment will be made at this time.”

Etherington spent most of his playing career in the Premier League but had a brief stint on loan at Bradford City when the Bantams were in the second tier.

He hung up his boots in 2014, citing a back injury as the reason for bringing his career to an end. Etherington landed his first permanent role as a manager in 2022, with Crawley Town.