Matthew Etherington: Colchester United interim boss steps down over contract issue

Colchester are eight points and nine places below Crawley in League Two

Colchester United interim head coach Matthew Etherington has been made to step down over a contract issue with his former club Crawley Town.

He was put in temporary charge on Monday - helping the U's beat Grimsby on Tuesday - and was expecting to be the boss for the "foreseeable future".

But Colchester chairman Robbie Cowling says Crawley believe Etherington is under contract with them until May.

Assistant Scott Marshall will lead the side at Accrington on Saturday.

• Crawley exit took Etherington 'a while' to get over

Former West Ham and Stoke winger Etherington was appointed Crawley boss in November 2022 but lasted just 32 days before choosing to leave.

Cowling says Crawley believe they would be owed a buyout fee if Etherington took charge of any more Colchester matches.

"Personally I don't agree with the Crawley position," Cowling told the U's website.

He said he asked Crawley for permission for Etherington to take charge of their League Two game at Accrington, while legal counsel was sought, but that request was denied.

"Hopefully, we can seek the legal advice we need and sort the matter out with Crawley early next week," he added.

BBC Sport has contacted Crawley for comment.