The pace of Colchester United’s hunt for a new manager could speed up.

Caretaker boss Joe Dunne feels David Perkins’ transfer request and a need to bolster the U’s squad may accelerate the club’s decision over who will take the reins on a permanent basis.

The dual blow of a first Coca-Cola League One defeat of the season and a transfer request by Perkins ended a week that most at the U’s would rather put behind them.

Just minutes after seeing his side beaten 2-1 at MK Dons, Dunne delivered the news that Perkins had asked for a move away.

The defeat and Perkins’ request on Friday evening capped a week that had also seen Paul Lambert quit as manager and captain Dean Hammond head to Southampton.

It is believed that Perkins may favour a move back up north and Dunne confirmed that the former Rochdale midfielder wants to secure starting football.

“As if the week has not been stressful enough,” said Dunne.

“David feels he should be playing games and I understand that as he feels he needs a fresh start.

“When he came on he gave all he had so we shouldn’t crticise him for it because he continued to give 100 per cent and he feels it is a move that is needed.

“From taking over the team, to seeing my captain sold and having a transfer request by another influential player, that is the kind of week we have had.

“But we showed spirit at MK Dons and that was great.

“I know he will keep giving 100 per cent to the group, but this will probably accelerate the process of a manager being chosen.

“We must stay calm, even though it is not a hill that we have to climb, it is a mountain.

“We need to look at our squad size as we have gone from players being comfortably outside the squad to probably needing to get one or two in.

“We can manage but the whole package for the new manager is that whoever comes in will have to have some players lined up as this squad needs adding to.”