English club Colchester have sacked manager Matty Etherington with immediate effect.

The League Two team are languishing in 22nd position in the table and in dire straits.

Rather than persist with the former Tottenham winger, Colchester have pulled the plug.

A club statement read: "Following this afternoon's defeat against Gillingham, Colchester United have relieved Matty Etherington of his duties as Head Coach.

"The club would like to thank Matty for his time in charge of the first team.

"No further comment will be made at this time."