JOE Dunne is back in football.

The 47-year-old former Colchester United player and manager has taken over as Stevenage's new assistant manager.

Dunne had been out of work since leaving his role as Mansfield Town's number two working alongside boss Graham Coughlan, in October.

The pair had earlier worked together at Bristol Rovers.

Now former Cambridge United boss Dunne is now back coaching in League Two, after being appointed as former Braintree Town striker Alex Revell's number two at Stevenage.

Dunne remains a hugely popular figure at his former club Colchester, whom he represented as a player, manager, caretaker manager, assistant manager and under-18 coach.

Dunne played more than 160 league games as a right-back for the U’s before progressing through the coaching ranks at Layer Road and the JobServe Community Stadium.

The Irishman then spent nearly two years in charge as U's boss between 2012 and 2014, in League One.

When he left his role in the hot seat, it brought to an end Dunne's 18-year association with the club.

 

Chairman Phil Wallace told the Stevenage website: "We have not had the start we wanted in the league, but we have improved significantly, with just one defeat over 90 minutes in the last six games.

"We have the basis of a good side and that is starting to show in our performances now.

"Alex has worked hard to get us to this position, but the more experience we can bring to our management team, the better.

"Alex has chosen to bring Joe on board to help him and we are hopeful his experience, passion and energy will be a big asset moving forwards."

Colchester travel to play Stevenage, next month.

The U's face Boro' at Broadhall Way in League Two, on January 26.