Colchester United have parted company with manager Steve Whitton.
Parting company - Steve Whitton has left Colchester United 'by mutual consent'
The U's chief is leaving by mutual consent after three-and-a-half years in the hot-seat at Layer Road.
The U's have slumped into the Division Two relegation zone after a dismal spell of results, culminating in Saturday's 2-0 defeat against Blackpool.
And this afternoon the U's board released the following statement: "It has been self-evident over the past 12 months that results have been disappointing.
"Football is showbusiness and our gates have been drifting because of our results."
Assistant boss Geraint Williams is taking over for Saturday's clash at Stockport.
The statement continued: "He is aware that the board of directors will be seeking applications for the post, and it may well be that he chooses to apply.
"We hope the club's fans rally around and provide vocal support for the match against Mansfield on February 14."
See tomorrow's Evening Gazette for more reaction and the verdict of their Colchester United correspondent Francis Ponder.
E-mail your views on Whitton's dismissal to the Evening Gazette sportsdesk
More on Colchester United FC
What are your views on Colchester United? Were they right to let Whitton go? Who should be the next manager? Have your say on our Views on the U's bulletin board.
Published Wednesday, January 29, 2003
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