New Colchester United manager Aidy Boothroyd said chairman Robbie Cowling was the main factor in him deciding to take the post.

Boothroyd was unveiled as the U’s new boss at a press conference at the Weston Homes Community Stadium this afternoon.

Boothroyd has signed a one-year rolling contract with Colchester.

He has been out of work for ten months, having left Watford last November after three-and-a-half years in charge at Vicarage Road.

Boothroyd, 38, has been linked with a host of clubs.

However, he said the offer from Colchester was the right one - and much of that was down to the ambitious Cowling.

Boothroyd said: “There were a number of things.

“The main reason for me coming to Colchester United was the chairman.

“In this day and age you hear lots of horror stories about the chairman or the chief executive picking the team.

“But I was lucky enough to come across Robbie.

“The club is a professional club and it wants to go forward.

“The ground is fantastic and we’re building a new training ground.”

Boothroyd feels there is a good balance about the U’s squad.

He will take charge of Colchester for the first time on Saturday when they take on Southampton, at St Marys.

“I’ve seen the squad,” added Boothroyd, who has confirmed he will retain the services of Joe Dunne in his coaching team.

“I’ve seen that we’ve scored some goals and kept some clean sheets and there’s a nice balance to it.

“I’ve not been this excited about something for a long time.”

For more on Boothroyd’s appointment, see the Daily Gazette.