Steve Wignall, ex-Southend and Colchester boss, has warned the U`s against appointing a big-name manager, who he says won`t understand what the club or town represent to fans.
Wignall, manager between 1995 and 1999, tipped either of his former signings at United, current caretaker Joe Dunne, or another contender, Paul Buckle, to take the top job but said he fears Robbie Cowling may be seduced into appointing someone famous simply for reputation`s sake.
“I know people at the club; I think now they need to go a bit close to home. That`s no disrespect to any big-name managers or anyone from other clubs, but Colchester`s a special club and it`s a special case in lots of different ways,” he told BBC Essex Radio on Saturday.
Wignall added that he wasn`t at all surprised by Paul Lambert`s move to Norwich last Tuesday, suggesting he was right to take on the “big opportunity” at Carrow Road.
“Joe Dunne keeps distancing himself from the job. I signed Joe from reserve-team football at Gillingham, same as Paul Buckle, who has been mentioned in despatches, from Wycombe reserves. Both of them did magnificently and have got great character – love the club.
“They`ve still got a real affiliation for club Colchester and the supporters and I can`t see why the club can`t go down that direction. They`d obviously need help with some experienced bodies behind them, but I think that`s the way to go.”
Wignall also claimed it could spell “disaster” for the United, should they let a young manager loose without someone more experienced as an aside: “If you take Paul Ince and people like that, they`re young managers and in lots of cases, I think even at Hull, they`ve brought in a mentor.
“I think it`s the way to go. Boothroyd did it at Watford; I think for a young manger to take charge on his own or with his mate is looking for disaster.”
Also on Saturday, the East Anglain Daily Times reported that Dunne had telephoned former boss, Geraint Williams, for advice.
Colchester will begin shortlisting the possible final five interviewees on Monday.
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Every club is important and special to their own fans. I also think that every manager, no matter how much of a ‘big name’ will understand this and it wouldn’t really make one bit of difference in how they go about the job.
How about Wignall back as Director of football in conjunction with Dunne/Buckle?
I can kind of see what Wignall is saying but think Cowling has just got to go with who he believes is the right man for the job – regardless of statue.