Ex-Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham man sacked by EFL club with blunt 43-word statement

Former Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham winger Matty Etherington has been sacked by League Two side Colchester United after an eighth defeat in nine matches. Colchester are five points outside the relegation zone in the fourth tier, with Etherington's final game in charge a 1-0 loss to Gillingham on Monday afternoon.

A short statement released by Colchester on Monday evening read: "Following this afternoon’s defeat against Gillingham, Colchester United have relieved Matty Etherington of his duties as head coach. The club would like to thank Matty for his time in charge of the first team. No further comment will be made at this time."

The ex-Spurs and West Ham man took over on a temporary basis in mid-October before landing the permanent role in November. However, he won just one league game after his role was made permanent after winning three of his first four matches in charge.

Etherington previously had a short spell in charge at Crawley Town before resigning from his role. Ahead of his sacking, he told BBC Radio Essex after the loss to Gillingham: "I believe in working a certain way, I believe in my principles as a person and I'll keep being me."

The 42-year-old started his playing career with Peterborough United and made his professional debut in 1997. In 2000 he made the move to Tottenham but was unable to establish himself in North London, as his time at White Hart Lane included a loan spell to Bradford City.

He moved across London to West Ham in 2003 and remained there until 2009 when he left for Stoke City, a club he remained at until his retirement from playing in 2014. He was part of the Hammers side that won the Championship play-offs in 2005 and was in the team that reached the 2006 FA Cup final, which West Ham dramatically lost to Liverpool on penalties after a 3-3 draw in Cardiff.

Etherington started his coaching career in the Peterborough academy and also worked as an assistant manager at the club, while also having a short spell as interim boss.