KEVIN Keen has been revealed as the new manager of Colchester United.

The club made the announcement at a press conference at Weston Homes Community Stadium this afternoon.

The 48-year-old former Liverpool, West Bromwich Albion and Reading coach’s first game in charge will be the Boxing Day match against Southend United.

David Wright has also been confirmed as Keen's number two.

Keen said: “I can’t wait to get started.

“I’m just looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“I’m full of enthusiasm and there are games coming up over the festive period that we can really get our teeth into.

“The realistic aim is to keep the club in the division and perhaps do even better than that.

“I want to come in and keep playing the good football and scoring the goals that the club has been scoring.

“But at the same time, we know that we have to make a few changes to try and get a few results on the pitch which will keep us in the division."

Keen was at Spotland on Saturday to see the U’s lose 3-1 to Rochdale, sitting alongside club chairman Robbie Cowling.

He inherits a Colchester side who have lost their last seven league matches but the former Reading assistant manager insists there are plenty of good things to build upon, despite their lowly position.

“I’ve seen two or three games now and I don’t think there’s a lot wrong,” said the new U’s boss, who left his role at Reading earlier this month.

“It’s just a matter of having a little bit of confidence and working hard on the training pitch and making sure we start getting the results.

“There are changes that are for me to look at and work out over the next six days.

“I’ve got ideas in my head on how we should train and how we should play but I’m not going to say them here.

“They are little things that will hopefully make a difference and improve the team.”

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Wayne Brown has been the caretaker in charge of the club for the last three games, following Tony Humes’ decision to resign as manager last month.

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Fans have taken to social media to support Keen using the hashtag #WelcomeKevin