Former midfielder ready for U's opportunity.
New U21s coach Kevin Horlock is eager to get started in his role with the club's future stars.
Kevin has previously coached at Needham Market and managed at Chatham Town, and will now step up a level with the U's having worked with the club's U18s for the final two months of the 2015/16 season.
And the former Manchester City, Swindon Town and West Ham midfielder can't wait to get his teeth into his latest role.
He told the club's website: "It's a great opportunity for me.
"I've been at Colchester for about seven weeks now. I've enjoyed working with Wayne and, with the previous manager leaving and the changes that have been made, the opportunity has arisen for us to work with the U21s.
"It's come a bit sooner than I imagined, but it's a great chance for me."
Kevin will work as Maldon & Tiptree's manager alongside his role with the U21s and believes his previous experiences with Needham and Chatham will serve him well in the coming months.
"Management is something I am interested in. My time at Chatham was a tough gig because we struggled to hold onto players with other clubs coming in for our better players, but it was an experience I really enjoyed.
"The time at Needham was also invaluable for me to learn about that level."
Kevin will be working through the week with the U's U21s as they prepare to build on their fourth placed finish in the U21s Development League last season.
The U's were close to reaching the national play-offs and Kevin believes there is plenty to build on.
And the former Manchester City, Swindon Town and West Ham midfielder can't wait to get his teeth into his latest role.
He told the club's website: "It's a great opportunity for me.
"I've been at Colchester for about seven weeks now. I've enjoyed working with Wayne and, with the previous manager leaving and the changes that have been made, the opportunity has arisen for us to work with the U21s.
"It's come a bit sooner than I imagined, but it's a great chance for me."
Kevin will work as Maldon & Tiptree's manager alongside his role with the U21s and believes his previous experiences with Needham and Chatham will serve him well in the coming months.
"Management is something I am interested in. My time at Chatham was a tough gig because we struggled to hold onto players with other clubs coming in for our better players, but it was an experience I really enjoyed.
"The time at Needham was also invaluable for me to learn about that level."
Kevin will be working through the week with the U's U21s as they prepare to build on their fourth placed finish in the U21s Development League last season.
The U's were close to reaching the national play-offs and Kevin believes there is plenty to build on.
He said: "Getting to this stage, working at Colchester, has been a long process - I've not just jumped into it, but I've got my badges and it's taking off for me now.
"I feel privileged to be working at Colchester's academy.
"This is a great club for young players and there are some great kids coming through, not only in the U18s and U21s but in the younger age groups, and this can only benefit the club in the future.
"The U21s did extremely well last season and were right up at the top of the table for most of the season, so John deserved to get his chance with the first team.
"I feel privileged to be working at Colchester's academy.
"This is a great club for young players and there are some great kids coming through, not only in the U18s and U21s but in the younger age groups, and this can only benefit the club in the future.
"The U21s did extremely well last season and were right up at the top of the table for most of the season, so John deserved to get his chance with the first team.
"League Two will be a different challenge for the first team, but I am sure John and Steve will come through with flying colours and make the team competitive at the right end of the table next season."