FORMER Swindon Town head coach Ben Garner has been appointed as the new Colchester United manager.

The 42-year-old takes over from Matt Bloomfield, who left the League Two club last month to join Wycombe Wanderers.

Garner, who led Swindon into the League Two play-offs during his only season at the helm before departing for Charlton Athletic, is set to observe Colchester’s game against Bradford City on Saturday, with caretaker manager and former Swindon coach, Ross Embleton taking charge for the time being.

The U's say they expect Garner to bring in additional staff before Saturday, and the names of those coaches will be announced in due course.

When leaving Swindon for the Addicks in the summer of 2022, Garner brought coach Scott Marshall and players, Jojo Wollacott, Jack Payne, and Mandela Egbo with him.

Colchester sit 19th in the league and are currently nine points above the drop zone having lost two in a row.

Speaking to Col U TV, Garner said: "I'm delighted to get the opportunity to come and be here at Colchester.

"A big attraction for me was the structure in place and the vision moving forward. I can't wait to get started, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity.

"I knew the club in terms of playing here several times. I knew the stadium and the environment and I've experienced the support here and how the stadium feels, if you like.

"With the questions that I've asked and requirements I would look for moving forward, the conversations have been really positive.

"I think there's real potential now, and I think I'm taking the job at a really good time. And the right time, in order for us all to move the club in the direction that we want to go.

"This season is about making sure we stay in the division, making sure we're solid for next year - and then it's about looking forwards."

The former Crystal Palace coach and Bristol Rovers boss says conversations have already taken place regarding next season, with regard to how his squad might look.

He added: "We'll be looking to improve things for next season, and we'll start working on that now and start looking ahead, in terms of recruitment and where we want to take the squad. It's going to be exciting.

"I'm really looking forward to this opportunity and I feel there's real potential here to make a difference, in a short space of time."