ROBBIE Cowling is aiming to have a new manager in place at the Community Stadium within three weeks.

However, the Colchester United chairman is not going to act in haste and will only appoint a new man if he believes that he can take the club forward.

On the day that Aidy Boothroyd was unveiled as Chris Coleman’s replacement at the Ricoh Arena, Cowling was philosophical about his manager’s decision to quit.

Cowling told the Gazette: “I’m disappointed because I think we had a good manager in Aidy.

“It’s always hard when things like this happen.

“We would have liked him to have stayed but if he wants to go, in many ways we’re wasting our time.

“It’s the risk you take when you appoint a young, ambitious manager who wants to do well.

“But as long as they are progressing the club while they are here that’s the main thing and I think Aidy did that."

With the transfer window opening next month, Cowling will be hoping that the new U’s boss will be able to be in the role as soon as possible.

But the U’s chairman has said he will take a measured approach to the search.

Cowling said: “It is likely to be a three-week process, hopefully sooner.

“But we won’t rush things.

“We have a little bit of time but we want to get someone in to take advantage of things.

“In many ways, the timing is perfect for us.”