COLCHESTER United could be set to appoint their new head coach this week - with Steve Ball the favourite to take the role.

The U's are looking to appoint a successor to John McGreal, who parted company with the club last week after just over four years in charge at the JobServe Community Stadium.

And current U's assistant manager Ball is leading the way in the race to take over in the JobServe Community Stadium hot seat, with Wayne Brown also a strong contender.

The 50-year-old, who has worked as the U's under-23 and under-18 boss in the past, is well regarded by chairman Robbie Cowling.

Ball would also provide a natural link between first team and academy, tying in with the club implementing a new plan that will see the first team being even more tightly aligned to the youth set-up at Florence Park.

The former Arsenal youngster is already a popular figure among the U's players and had managerial experience in the past too at the likes of Stanway Rovers, Maldon and Tiptree and Leiston.

It appears Ball and U's promotion winner Brown are the two main contenders to succeed McGreal.

Brown is currently in charge of Isthmian League division north side Maldon and Tiptree, who have an alliance with Colchester.

The former centre-back has a very good understanding of the U's academy and up and coming talent having worked within the set-up at Florence Park for several years.

Brown led Maldon to the brink of promotion this season before the season was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He also guided the Jammers to the FA Cup second round, beating Leyton Orient along the way.

Former U's boss McGreal will not be take over at his old club Tranmere Rovers.

McGreal had been heavily linked with the post but the League Two side have appointed Mike Jackson as their new boss.

Meanwhile former Braintree Town boss Danny Cowley has been sacked as Huddersfield manager.

The 41-year-old and assistant, brother Nicky, will leave the Terriers immediately.

The pair took over from Jan Siewert in September but have won just 13 of their 40 games, with Huddersfield yet to mathematically secure safety in the Sky Bet Championship.

Chairman Phil Hodgkinson told the club's official site: "I would like to place my thanks on record to Danny and Nicky for their hard work and dedication towards securing the club's place in the Sky Bet Championship for next season.

"That was the clear priority when they were appointed in September and we are very grateful that has been achieved.

"We all wish Danny and Nicky all the best for the future and they leave with my best wishes in their future endeavours.

"However, we have made this decision in the belief that, in the long term, it is in the best interests of the club as we move forward. We have a different vision for the way we operate the club, and how our ambitions can be achieved."