Paul Lambert has sensationally quit as Colchester United manager after little more than ten months in charge.

Lambert resigned his position as U’s boss to take over at their East Anglian rivals, Norwich City.

He will take assistant manager Ian Culverhouse and Football Operations Manager Gary Karsa with him to Carrow Road.

Lambert will take over from fellow Scot Bryan Gunn, who ironically was sacked on the back of Colchester’s 7-1 win over the Canaries on the opening day.

Lambert only took over as Colchester manager last October.

He took from Geraint Williams with the side languishing near the foot of the table.

He led the U’s to a 12th-place finish in the league last season, guiding to the verge of a play-off place.

Reserve team boss Joe Dunne has taken temporary charge of the U’s and will be in the dugout for tonight’s clash with Gillingham.

Colchester United chief executive Steve Bradshaw said the club were bitterly disappointed to lose Lambert.

However, he stressed the club tried tooth and nail to persuade him to stay, once Norwich’s interest became known.

Bradshaw told the Gazette: “We had a number of meetings with Paul over the last two days.

“We met him three times yesterday to try and keep him at the club.

“But we are where we are.

“Paul helped turn this club around in the short time that he was here but equally we have given him the opportunity.

“He has done a great job and we’re not one to bear grudges.”

However, Bradshaw insisted the U’s will seek some kind of financial compensation for the loss of their manager to their Coca-Cola League One rivals.

Colchester say they are upset with the way Norwich have seemingly dealt with the situation.

“The chairman will issue a statement on the subject and it will reflect the way Norwich have dealt with the situation,” added Bradshaw.

“They are legally breaking the terms of their contract.

“We only allowed Paul to speak to Norwich on the proviso that they would not offer him a job unless they had agreed compensation.”

For more on Lambert's departure from Colchester, check the Gazette website throughout the day.