Colchester United’s next manager could be someone with a proven Premier League track record and a name known across the footballing world.

The U’s board met last night to assess the applicants who have put their names forward to take over the manager’s position following the departure of Paul Lambert last week, and the strength of those hankering for the chance to lead the club is impressive according to chief executive Steve Bradshaw.

Among the more than 30 serious applications are managers who have had success in the highest echelons of the English game alongside young former players who are just making their way in the game.

Bradshaw said: “We have everything from world names, people recognised across the world, with managers who have been successful in the Premiership, to managers who have had success in the division we are in and younger ex-players who are new to a coaching capacity.

“We have had a real range of applications so it is going to be a tough decision this week.

“It will have to be someone who can give the club the profile we are all comfortable with, but ultimately it will be the chairman’s decision.

“It is an exciting time and like anything else that changes, you can react and dwell on what might have been or you can look forwards.

“We want to take it forward and that is what we are trying to do.

“We have to get someone who is at least equally as good as Paul Lambert and let them do it their way.”