Williams: Keano My Man

A whole host of former Colchester United managers, including Phil Parkinson, Dick Graham, Steve Wignall, Jim Smith, have come out in support of current U`s boss Geraint Williams in his quest to be named League Manager's Association Manager of the Year.

The results of the vote, which took place two weeks ago, will reveal if hot favourite Williams gets the title.

The Welshman, who guided Colchester to their highest-ever league finish this term, faces competition from Sunderland`s Roy Keane for the accolade.

Williams said: "Roy got my vote because Sunderland were down there with us after five games when he took over and he turned them around.

'Over the course of the season, Sunderland and Birmingham have been the most consistent teams and they've got the best results.'

Yesterday, however, former boss Dick Graham, who was in the hot seat when a then Fourth Division Colchester beat Don Revie`s revered Leeds United team of the 1970s, backed Geraint to scoop the award.
"When you compare what Williams has done with Colchester United [this season] to what Sir Alex Ferguson has achieved with Premiership champions Manchester United, Geraint's achievement is the greater."


Former chief Phil Parkinson, who guided the U`s to promotion from League One last season and now works as an assistant at Charlton Athletic, said in last night`s Evening Gazette: "It had to be something special to better the achievement of getting Colchester promoted and George has done that."

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.