Colchester United will not be rushed into an appointment to replace Paul Lambert.

Lambert has quit the U's to join Coca-Cola League One rivals Norwich City.

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

Joe Dunne has been placed in temporary charge at the U's and will be in the dugout for tonight's clash with Gillingham.

In a statement, Colchester chairman Robbie Cowling said: “On an upbeat note I am confident that with the help of my fellow directors and staff I will shortly be appointing a new manager who is equally if not more talented than Paul Lambert.

“In the meantime Joe Dunne will take over as caretaker manager for tonight’s game against Gillingham.

“I would like to urge all players, staff and fans to give Joe their full support.”

Cowling revealed that Lambert told him he was finding it difficult to focus on the job in hand, after Norwich's interest in him had been revealed.

However, Cowling said he was left suitably impressed by the way the Scot and his coaching team had worked, during their brief stint at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

He said: “I have enjoyed working with Paul, Ian and Gary. I have supported them 100 per cent and have been willing to do so because they are a very talented team who have produced excellent results."