Former Town defender John McGreal has been sacked by Colchester United despite taking them into the League Two play-offs.

The U’s finished sixth in the table after clubs voted to curtail the 2019/20 season but were beaten 3-2 on aggregate by Exeter City in the play-off semi-finals.

In a statement chairman Robbie Cowling explained the decision: “Colchester United are seeking a new first-team head coach.

“I spoke with John McGreal on Friday 3rd July to explain that the club is going to be implementing a new plan that will see the first team being even more tightly aligned to the academy and that I along with my three other directors, Tony Humes, Tony Ashby and Jon De Souza, felt a change of first-team head coach was required if our new direction was to be successfully implemented.

“This was a very tough decision for a number of reasons, but not least because John has been first-team head coach for the last four years.

“This last season has been one of the club’s best seasons for a number of years and John should be very proud of his time in charge of the first team.

“However, the club is not only facing a number of unprecedented challenges but also some unprecedented opportunities and myself and the other directors believe significant changes are required that will be best served with a new head coach.

“John has done a great job for Colchester United and I wish him well for his future.”

McGreal, 48, who last week was linked with the management vacancy at Tranmere, from whom he joined the Blues ahead of a five-year spell at Portman Road in 1999, was appointed by Colchester in May 2006. He took charge of 203 matches, winning 76, drawing 55 and losing 72.

Elsewhere, ex-Town midfielder Matt Bloomfield lifted the trophy after Wycombe Wanderers beat Oxford United 2-1 in the League One play-off final at Wembley last night to claim a place in the Championship for the first time.

The 36-year-old, the club captain, was subbed at half-time for the Chairboys, who he joined after leaving the Blues in December 2003.

Bloomfield, who made one senior sub appearance for Town in the League Cup having come through the Blues youth set-up, has spent time coaching Town academy players in recent seasons.

Photo: TWTD

Scuzzer added 18:38 - Jul 14 I expect KD to be in the frame.
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Shawsey added 19:09 - Jul 14 Swap for Lambert. Must be worth a shout.
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BettyBlue added 19:12 - Jul 14 How on earth is Paul Lambert still here. He hasn't finished in the top ten of any league for 15 years......
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TractorRoyNo1 added 22:05 - Jul 14 Dyer will be appointed "Head Coach" on Friday.
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dirtydingusmagee added 08:33 - Jul 15 as Jimmy Greaves once said ,'' its a funny old game '', , we rewarded our failing manager with an extended contract !
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dirtydingusmagee added 08:33 - Jul 15 as Jimmy Greaves once said ,'' its a funny old game '', , we rewarded our failing manager with an extended contract !
0

dirtydingusmagee added 08:33 - Jul 15 as Jimmy Greaves once said ,'' its a funny old game '', , we rewarded our failing manager with an extended contract !
0

dirtydingusmagee added 08:33 - Jul 15 as Jimmy Greaves once said ,'' its a funny old game '', , we rewarded our failing manager with an extended contract !
0

dirtydingusmagee added 08:33 - Jul 15 as Jimmy Greaves once said ,'' its a funny old game '', , we rewarded our failing manager with an extended contract !
0

dirtydingusmagee added 08:33 - Jul 15 as Jimmy Greaves once said ,'' its a funny old game '', , we rewarded our failing manager with an extended contract !
0

dirtydingusmagee added 08:33 - Jul 15 as Jimmy Greaves once said ,'' its a funny old game '', , we rewarded our failing manager with an extended contract !
0

dirtydingusmagee added 08:33 - Jul 15 as Jimmy Greaves once said ,'' its a funny old game '', , we rewarded our failing manager with an extended contract !
0

dirtydingusmagee added 08:33 - Jul 15 as Jimmy Greaves once said ,'' its a funny old game '', , we rewarded our failing manager with an extended contract !
0

dirtydingusmagee added 08:33 - Jul 15 as Jimmy Greaves once said ,'' its a funny old game '', , we rewarded our failing manager with an extended contract !
0

BlueandTruesince82 added 09:00 - Jul 15 What was it Jimmy Greaves once said? Feel like it would be really appropriate for this story
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Dissboyitfc added 09:24 - Jul 15 I have been saying for a while now that i would like to see him at ipswich! people ask about his credentials, what had burley achieved before coming to us and what had Lambert achieved before leaving them and joining Norwich? There is a pattern there, i say give him a chance, things need a refresh here and i dont think Lambert is the man to take us forward!
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martin587 added 09:40 - Jul 15 Surely if TOWN need to progress we require a more knowledgeable manager than John Mc.Very nice man and a good player here but come on he is not the answer for Ipswich.We need to look much higher.That I'm afraid won't be happening in the not too distant future.
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Dissboyitfc added 11:20 - Jul 15 who would you like to see in Martin? Burley had no credentials, and apart from us he hasnt exactly set the world alight after leaving us. We just need a good fit. Some mention Butchers name but he has done nothing asa manager9 wouldnt be my choice. We need change thats for sure! But who?
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martin587 added 12:56 - Jul 15 Dissboy Your guess is as good as mine.Just somebody with experience who can get us out of this league.I just fear if we don't get promotion next season we will be stuck for many years.We MUST learn from the disaster of last season that's all I ask like many thousands of us.
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