COLCHESTER United's new manager, Paul Lambert, is intent on instilling a “winning mentality” back into the U's psyche.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United's new manager, Paul Lambert, is intent on instilling a “winning mentality” back into the U's psyche.

Lambert was appointed the full-time successor to Geraint Williams this afternoon, although he will not officially take over until Monday.

Current caretaker boss Kit Symons will remain in charge of team affairs, with coach Joe Dunne, for tomorrow's trip to fellow League One strugglers Cheltenham Town.

After that, Scotsman Lambert will assume control. Chairman and owner Robbie Cowling would not be drawn on the make-up of Lambert's back-room staff, but he confirmed that he is still set to appoint a technical analyst to work alongside the U's new boss.

The Essex club received about 100 applicants for the vacant manager's post, and these were eventually whittled down to a short-list of four. Lambert ended up being the unanimous choice of the U's board of directors.

The 39-year-old is a former Champions League winner with German club Borussia Dortmund, although he spent most of his playing career in Scotland with the likes of St Mirren, Motherwell and Celtic. He has also enjoyed managerial experience with Livingston and Wycombe Wanderers.

Lambert revealed: “I'm not someone who sets objectives, but it is clear that this team is not a million miles away from going up the league.

“I think perhaps the team has lost it's way a bit, and I want to do my best to start winning as many games as possible. At the moment, visiting teams are finding it too easy when coming to the new stadium.

“The former manager (Geraint Williams) did a terrific job here. A lot of credit most go to him. I have had the last three games watched, so I know all about the players. I'll be watching at Cheltenham, but I won't be starting until Monday,” added Lambert, who won 40 caps for Scotland as a midfielder between 1995 and 2004.