MICKY Adams has said he is bitterly disappointed' to leave his post as Colchester United's assistant manager.
Adams has departed his role as Geraint Williams' number two, after joining the U's last July.
The Coca-Cola Championship strugglers announced that Adams had left the U's by mutual consent'.
Reports have linked former U's favourite Mark Kinsella, who is Charlton Athletic's reserve-team manager at the moment, with the vacancy and Colchester's own current reserve-team boss Joe Dunne is also in the frame.
Adams said he wants to concentrate on a return to full management. He leaves Colchester second from bottom in the Championship table, with his partnership with Williams having brought only five victories.
And although he was full of praise for the club's players, Adams admitted that it has not been an easy time for the U's.
He told the Gazette: "I'm bitterly disappointed to have left Colchester.
"It's been a frustrating time - but I don't think people can question the effort I've put in during my time at the club.
"I've enjoyed my time at Colchester and the players have been fantastic.
"They need a bit of luck and help in terms of squad size but they've given everything."
Adams took over as Colchester's assistant manager in July, after succeeding Mick Harford in the role.