WAYNE Brown, the Colchester United defender, said today that the U's need to bring in five or six new players to have a realistic chance of staying in the Championship.

By Elvin King

WAYNE Brown, the Colchester United defender, said today that the U's need to bring in five or six new players to have a realistic chance of staying in the Championship.

Promoted from League One at the end of last season, Colchester have been in turmoil for much of the summer following the move of manager Phil Parkinson to Hull City.

They have still not named a new manager with former Ipswich Town midfielder Geraint Williams in caretaker charge and hoping to get the job permanently later this week.

“It is going to be a challenge for us,” said Brown, who made 50 appearances for Ipswich Town and scored two goals.

“We have lost a manager and when you take into account loanees around half a team.

“Realistically we need to increase our squad by five or six or we will have no cover for injuries. Without this happening it will be difficult to stay up with sides like Coventry signing a number of players.”

Brown, who has just finished helping to build a new home for himself and his family at Hadleigh, joins the rest of the players in hoping that Williams gets the job.

The 28-year-old added: “We know he can do the job, and he has the backing of us all. He has kept us going through all the confusion.

“We enjoyed a fantastic 2005/06, but must draw a line under that now. I know I can perform at the new level, but we know it will be tough.”

Williams has confirmed that now is the right time for him to move into the manager's chair.

He is aware that he could be making his last U's selection for tonight's home friendly against Brighton.

“I would not have applied for the job if I didn't think I was capable of doing it,” said Williams.

Williams, who has never lost a game while in caretaker charge, is naturally concerned that the continuing delay might work against him.

“I had a second interview on Sunday, and was hoping a decision would be made that night,” he added.

“I understand the board is still deliberating and the decision might be a few more days yet.

“Being manager of Colchester after promotion to the Championship is a challenge I relish. I do not do things by half.

“It is the right time for me, having spent the last three years working closely with Phil Parkinson. It has given me an insight into management having solely concentrated on coaching before.”