Colchester United could appoint a new manager next week after narrowing down their search for Aidy Boothroyd's successor. U's chairman Robbie Cowling is closing in on a replacement for Boothroyd.

"We are now down to a few people," Cowling told the Colchester Gazette. "We're a lot clearer on what we want to do."

Jim Magilton, Steve Foley and Brendan Rodgers have been linked with the role along with current U's coaches John Ward and Joe Dunne.