COLCHESTER United have appointed former Leyton Orient boss Ross Embleton as their new Head of Recruitment.

The 40-year-old has already started assisting head coach Wayne Brown as he assembles his U's squad for the forthcoming 2022-23 season.

Colchester had been looking for someone to lead their first-team player recruitment, following Steve Ball's switch to a Technical Director role at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Embleton told the U's website: "I am really passionate about the role, and the opportunity to work at this football club.

"In planning, I've done a lot of research and now have a lot of background knowledge, been to a number of games this season here, so I know what the place has to offer.

Gazette:

"It's a great stadium and fantastic training ground, so I'm really excited to get working here.

"I'll be making the most of the contacts I have, and try to get the most amount of communication and make this a successful window, that gives us a platform to have a good season."

Embleton has vast experience in the game, including a 13-month spell in charge of Orient.

He managed the O's on a permanent basis from January 2020 until February 2021, following a period in interim charge at Brisbane Road.

He has also had academy coaching time at Tottenham Hotspur, AFC Bournemouth and Swindon Town.