Kevin Keen appointed Colchester United boss
Monday 21 December 2015 15:23, UK
Kevin Keen has been appointed as the new manager of League One club Colchester United.
Colchester have lost their last seven games, the latest a 3-1 defeat at Rochdale on Saturday which left them bottom of the table.
The club had been searching for Tony Humes' successor since he left by mutual consent last month.
The appointment sees 48-year-old Keen take on his first full managerial role, following caretaker positions at West Ham and Macclesfield in recent years.
The club confirmed on Twitter: "#ColU are delighted to welcome Kevin Keen as the club's new manager."
Caretaker boss Wayne Brown had previously said he would be interested in the role permanently but ruled himself out of the process last week after speaking with the chairman.
Colchester have not won a game in the league since October 20, despite getting through to the third round of the FA Cup where they will host Championship side Charlton.
Keen's first game in charge will be the Essex derby against Southend on Boxing Day.
David Wright has been confirmed as Keen's No 2 as he makes the step up from coaching the club's U21s.
Keen stressed he was taken by the club's philosophy as he takes the reins, saying: "I have ideas in my head of how things should go and how they play.
"I wanted this job because of their philosophy. I am really pushy when it comes to young players - if they are good enough they should be playing.
"I have seen a few of the players at the training ground this morning but I will meet most of them tomorrow.
"We need to put our heads down over the next few days. I'm confident we can make strides in the next few days and start going in the right direction."