An unexpected and complex situation has arisen regarding the former manager of Peterborough United, leading to Colchester United’s chairman, Robbie Cowling, releasing an official statement.
In a surprising turn of events, Matty Etherington has stepped down from his role as the interim head coach of Colchester United due to a contractual obligation with Crawley Town until May 2024.
Etherington, the former Stoke City winger, had left Crawley Town just 32 days into his 18-month contract in December of the previous year, and this departure without being terminated led Crawley Town to believe they were entitled to compensation for him continuing in his role.
In a statement addressed to the club’s supporters, Chairman Cowling revealed that he had received a call from Eben Smith at 3:34 pm on Friday, October 27th, informing him of Crawley’s claim that Matty remained bound by their contract. Consequently, a buy-out fee would be owed to Crawley if Matty were to manage any of Colchester’s games.
The statement also mentioned that Colchester had requested Matty Etherington to take charge of the team while they explored legal action regarding the contract, but this request was denied. As a result, Scott Marshall, who previously served as Ben Garner’s assistant, will now take charge of Colchester United until this contract dispute is resolved.
This situation is far from ideal for the club, especially following the recent sacking of Ben Garner after a loss to Harrogate Town, which left the club in a relegation position. Although there was a notable improvement under Etherington in their midweek match against Grimsby Town, they will now have to face Accrington Stanley without their interim head coach.
Accrington Stanley is currently positioned for the playoffs, but they have also faced their own challenges off the pitch, with owner Andy Holt making controversial social media posts. Colchester, on the other hand, moved out of the bottom two following their victory against Grimsby Town.
In summary, this is an unprecedented and challenging situation for Colchester United, and the decision by Crawley Town not to allow Etherington to take charge adds an extra layer of complexity. It remains to be seen how Scott Marshall will perform in this unexpected role as the club faces a tough challenge against Accrington Stanley
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