FORMER Colchester United manager Joe Dunne has been named as Gillingham's new youth team manager.

The 51-year-old, who 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, has returned to Gills having played 135 times for the Kent club between 1990 and 1996 before joining Colchester.

Dunne's last role had been at Newport County where he was assistant manager to Graham Coughlan.

 

The Irishman, who replaces Mark Moss who has departed Gillingham to become Swindon Town's new Academy Manager, will be in the dugout for the Gills' FA Youth Cup second round tie against Swindon, next Tuesday.

Dunne told the Gillingham website: "I am really looking forward to it, it's great to be back where I started. It brings back a lot of good memories. The staff have been so welcoming, they've been exceptional. 

"I have always been passionate about young players in terms of their development and how they work. 

"Success for me will be measured by the amount we can help progress, not just as a footballer, but as a human. That's vital for me.

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

"I want to make them better individuals all round and try to make them as successful as they possibly can."

Dunne  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.

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

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Gillingham Academy Manager Bryan Bull told the club's website: "We are delighted to welcome Joe back to the club where he first started his professional footballing journey.

"He brings back with him both a huge amount of experience in developing young players, but also importantly from working with senior players at a number of clubs. 

"Joe has already started to make a huge impact with our current apprentices, who can only benefit from his expertise, and I’m sure that will continue.

"I am looking forward to working with him immensely."