Robbie Cowling has hailed the impact John Ward has made in his first six months as Colchester United manager.

Boss Ward has led the U’s to within three points of the npower League One automatic promotion places and the FA Cup third round.

Some fans booed Colchester off the pitch following their narrow 1-0 win over Swindon Supermarine, last weekend.

However, the U’s have lost only three times in the league since Ward’s appointment, at the end of May.

Executive chairman Cowling is delighted with the start Ward has made to his managerial reign.

Cowling told the Gazette: “I’m really pleased.

“We’re in a very good position in the league and in the third round of the FA Cup.

“We have people like John-Joe (O’Toole) coming back from his injury and that will strengthen our squad even more.

“We learnt a lot last year and I was always confident that John would do well.

“He’s the one manager I’ve given the least financial support to but he’s doing a great job for us."

For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, see Friday's Gazette.