Colchester United Chairman Robbie Cowling has provided an update on the Head Coach position at the club.
He told the official club channels: "On Friday evening, we temporarily relieved Matty Etherington of his duties as Interim First Team Head Coach while we conducted an investigation into a matter raised by Crawley Town concerning a potential contract violation related to the agreement Matty Etherington signed when he assumed the position of manager at Crawley in November 2022."
"Following a thorough review of the contract and the events that transpired during the ten months since Matty's departure from Crawley, I have made the decision to reinstate Matty as our first team's Interim Head Coach with immediate effect.
"I want to make it clear that I do not intend to divulge the specifics of the legal advice I've received to the public.
"However, I want to emphasise that I would not have taken this step if I had any concerns about causing Colchester United to engage in improper actions.
"Up until this incident, I have maintained a positive relationship with the directors of Crawley Town, and I hope that this will continue, with an understanding that our actions have been conducted in good faith.
"I also want to clarify that this decision does not reflect on who we ultimately appoint as our permanent first team Head Coach. Matty has been reinstated for the time being, and if the team performs well under his leadership, he may be considered for the permanent role.
"This decision will be based solely on his performance and will not be influenced by his previous role at Crawley.
"I would like to express my gratitude to the players and staff who handled the situation on Friday and Saturday with the utmost professionalism, particularly Scott Marshall, Connor Hall and Matty Etherington."