New Colchester manager, Aidy Boothroyd, yesterday confirmed he would not reunite with his former Watford assistant, Keith Burkinshaw, also praising Joe Dunne for going through the “pain-barrier” for the club.
Boothroyd stated that brief caretaker Dunne was part of Colchester United`s identity and long-term future, putting paid to early suggestion he could instantly re-arrange the backroom staff.
The new boss might take up to a few weeks to decide who we wants to fill that role.
Speaking before Vital Colchester and the rest of the assembled media during the press unveiling, he explained that Dunne forms an essential part of United`s very identity.
“Joe Dunne will be involved, without a shadow of a doubt. When any manager comes it, there`s a little bit of worrying and a little bit of concern. From the very first minuet I met him, I liked him. He kicked me a few times when I played against him! I`ll forgive him for that, I think he`s a genuine guy.”
Boothroyd said he did not wish to be surrounded by a yes-man assistant, explaining that he values Dunne`s opinions on the football club.
“Every club has to have an identity, with their playing style and how they go about their business but also inside the club to show what sort of club they are.
“Joe optimises the professionalism, the work-ethic and the willingness to go through the pain barrier. That`s as he was as a player and he`s an intelligent guy as well. He`s has an opinion and I like that.’
He continued: “I don`t want to be surrounded by yes men, and he`s going to be very, very important at the present time in helping me settle the club and for the future as well.”
Boothroyd also took the chance to thank Watford supporters when recalling his time at the club when responding to questions over a possible Burkinshaw bond at Colchester.
“Keith Burkinshaw was terrific form me at Watford, however we need somebody different now. Having looked back on what we achieved at Watford, one of the things I`ve come out with is that next time, I`ll make sure that I get that position absolutely right.”
Ten months ago today, Boothroyd was dismissed by Watford, proving that a glittering CV that included taking them to the Premiership is no safeguard to long-term employment in management.
“I`ve never really had a chance to say thank you to the people and fans at Watford which I`d like to do and at the same time that`s how things are: it`s Colchester United now for me.
“I`m thinking about bringing about things to create some stability. We`ve had a lot of change here so it`s just time to steady the ship a little bit and move on from there.”
Joe Dunne title photo reproduced with kind permission of CU-FC – taken by Rob Sambrook.
So what do you think?
Let us know with a comment below, or chat about this article in the forum. Not yet a member? Don’t panic, click on the banner below to join in.
We want to know YOUR thoughts…
VITAL COLCHESTER; YOUR VOICE, YOUR CHOICE!
VITAL COLCHESTER IS 100% UNOFFICIAL – FOR THE FANS, BY THE FANS!
Aidy to me really is saying all the right things and i’m very optomistic about the future under his leadership
Yeah, sure is, LiE. Aidy + Joey’s Barmy Army! Up the U’s!
Me too; the man deserves our time and support and then, who knows!