Ward Endorses Dunne`s Deserved Promotion

Joe Dunne`s elevation to full-time assistant manager has the royal seal of approval from new Colchester United manager, John Ward.

Dunne, hugely respected by both U`s and Gillingham fans, officially assumed a role as number two at the club yesterday after years of distinguished service.

The former defender even enjoyed a stint as caretaker following Paul Lambert`s departure to Norwich City at the start of the 2009-10 season.

"Joe`s a young coach, an up-and-coming coach and will get an opportunity to be more involved with the management side of the players," said Ward yesterday.

Dunne has been at the forefront of developing young youth-team graduates Medy Elito and Anthony Wordsworth among others in recent seasons and makes the step up from first-team coach.

Ward joked: "It won`t stand him in that good stead - when he sits in this chair one day, he`ll find out how it works out!"

The former Cheltenham and Carlisle boss Ward added in further praise: 'Joe`s a real good young guy and he`s absolutely got this football club at heart. He`ll be as good for me as I hope I can be for him."


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