Colchester United appoint Steve Ball as new Head Coach

Colchester United new head coach Steve Ball speaks with ITV News Anglia Sports Correspondent Donovan Blake

Colchester United's new Head Coach Steve Ball says he's excited about the challenge he faces as the U's prepare for the new SkyBet EFL League Two season.

Ball spent four years as assistant to John McGreal who left the club earlier in the month.

He's the latest coach to inherit the top job at the Jobserve Community Stadium having been promoted from within.

The U's missed out on promotion to League One via the play-offs - losing to Exeter 3-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals - and released a number of their senior players in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

But Ball, who played for Arsenal, Norwich City, Colchester and Cambridge United during his career, says he's not daunted by the job he's taking over.

Ball also revealed that he spoke with McGreal ahead of his appointment.

"John's a close friend, has been for a number of years and that won't change. As soon as the news broke about the potential of me getting the job, John was the first on the phone to me wishing me all the very best, so that won't change"

Colchester United chairman Robbie Cowling didn't rule out the potential of promoting from within when deciding to change the Head Coach.