Struggling Colchester United sack boss Ben Garner as they look to stave off relegation threat

Struggling Colchester United are looking for another new head coach after sacking boss Ben Garner.

A 2-1 defeat at home to Harrogate on Saturday proved to be the final straw as the U's board decided to call time on Garner's seven-month reign in charge of the club.

Ex-Charlton manager Garner was only appointed in March after taking over from Matt Bloomfield who decided to return to League One side Wycombe Wanderers.

However, he found it difficult to string a consistent run of form together and leaves the U's second from bottom in League Two.

Colchester have lost nine of their 13 games in the fourth tier this season and are in real danger of slipping into the National League for the first time since 1992.

Under 21s coach Matty Etherington will be at the helm for Tuesday's trip to Grimsby Town while the U's continue to search for a long-term successor.

"U21s Lead Coach Matty Etherington will be in in the dugout, alongside Scott Marshall and Dave Huzzey, when the U’s take on Grimsby Town on Tuesday evening, with the backroom staff at the club remaining unchanged," a statement read.

"Matty will remain in charge of the First Team affairs while the club considers its long-term options."

Following Tuesday's match at Blundell Park, Colchester face another away game at Accrington Stanley on Saturday as they look to haul themselves away from the relegation zone.

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