Joe Dunne is determined to enjoy every minute of his caretaker spell in charge of Colchester United.

Dunne will take charge of the U's for a second time on Saturday at MK Dons, after leading them to victory over Gillingham on Tuesday night.

Dunne said: “I did enjoy Tuesday and it was one thing I did say going into it, that irrespective of what happened, I was going to enjoy it.

“Things can change very quickly, not just in football, but also in life.

“A million people want to be a manager and it is something that everybody wants just 15 minutes of and I managed to get 90 of them and have another chance on Saturday.

“I will try to enjoy it again, irrespective of what happens.”

Dunne believes Colchester's established stars are key to maintaining their status at the top of Coca-Cola League One.

The likes of Pat Baldwin, Kem Izzet and Scott Vernon were all part of the U's squad that won promotion to the Coca-Cola Championship under Phil Parkinson, in 2006.

“I think you have seen the players’ attitudes has been right," said Dunne.

“I made Pat (Baldwin) the captain and the spine of the team was strong.

“We had quality like Pat, Kem Izzet and Scott Vernon, who all know what it takes to get promotion from this league at the club.

“That was vital down the spine of the team and they are key to it.

“I feel players like that can galvanise fans as well, they are very influential.”

For a full preview on Colchester's game at MK Dons and all of the latest news on their search for a new boss, see Friday's Gazette.