League Two strugglers Colchester United have appointed Matt Bloomfield as their new head coach.

The 38-year-old has left Wycombe Wanderers to take the helm at the Essex club.

Bloomfield replaces Wayne Brown at the division's fourth-bottom side.

It is a first management role for the Wycombe legend, who was latterly first-team coach under Gareth Ainsworth after ending a long playing career with the Chairboys.

He is now charged with leading the U's away from the wrong end of the table.

Dmitri Halajko, Colchester's sporting director, told the club website: “We had a long and detailed recruitment process and we had an outstanding candidate in Matt.

“His values, football knowledge and expertise of ‘how to win’ really impressed us during the process and aligned with our vision. 

“I welcome Matt to the club and can’t wait to start working with him. Matt will be involved in helping the team on Saturday to go and get three points away at AFC Wimbledon.”

Bloomfield, in a parting message to Wycombe, told their website: "I always knew it would have to be something big to take me away from Wycombe Wanderers and I am so excited to begin a new chapter in my career by taking on the role as head coach at Colchester.

"It wasn’t a decision I could take lightly, but I’m honoured to have been given an opportunity to further my career in a managerial position and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got."

Carlisle United next take on Colchester at Brunton Park on February 18, having drawn 1-1 with Brown's side last month at the Jobserve Community Stadium.