FORMER Colchester United player and manager Joe Dunne has left League Two side Newport County.

Dunne has been working as the Exiles' assistant manager since October 2022 but has now departed Rodney Parade, following Graham Coughlan's exit as manager last week.

In a statement, the Exiles said: 'Newport County can confirm that assistant-manager Joe Dunne has left the club following the departure of manager Graham Coughlan on Thursday.

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'Dunne joined the club in October 2022 as part of Coughlan’s backroom team.

The club would like to thank him for his efforts over the last 20 months and wish him well for the future.'

Dunne is still a popular character at Colchester and with their fans, having represented them with distinction over the years in a variety of different roles, including head coach and player.

(Image: PAGEPIX)

He played more than 160 league games as a right-back over two separate spells for Colchester, before then progressing through the coaching ranks at the club.

The Irishman spent nearly two years in charge as U’s head coach and also represented the club as a under-18 coach, assistant manager and caretaker manager.

Dunne's most recent role at Colchester was as assistant head coach alongside boss Wayne Brown, before his departure in September, 2022.