Colchester and Humes part ways

by Joe de Souza

Colchester United have today parted company with manager Tony Humes.

Former defender Humes has left the club by mutual consent after 15 months in charge. Humes replaced Joe Dunne in September of last year and successfully guided The U’s to safety after the threat of relegation on the final day of the season.

Colchester have just one win in their last nine games, including defeat in all of their last four league games, and fans had begun to turn on manager Humes.

The news was revealed by chairman Robbie Cowling at a press conference this lunchtime at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Cowling confirmed the departure: “I’m disappointed that Tony has gone.”

“Humes felt that his presence was becoming detrimental to the club and the young players that he had nurtured in his time at the U’s and it would be best to remove himself from the equation.”

Cowling praised Humes for his nurture of youth: “Tony had worked hard to bring through youngsters and we should be erecting a statue to the guy”.

Humes leaves The U’s with a record of 22 wins, 15 draws and 30 defeats in 67 games.

Colchester have placed Richard Hall and John McGreal in caretaker charge for the League One clash with Burton Albion this weekend.