Scarborough manager Mick Wadsworth today dropped a bombshell quitting the basement strugglers to be crowned Colchester United's new boss.

The shock switch was confirmed today by Wadsworth and Boro chairman John Russell.

And the new U's boss will be in charge of Colchester - themselves fighting a relegation battle from Division Two - in his first game at Layer Road against York City a week tomorrow.

Wadsworth, who just after Christmas announced it might be better for him to quit the Seasiders only to have a change of heart, only yesterday snubbed reports that he was bound for Colchester.

But today he confirmed the move, adding: "Colchester approached me. I never approached them as I never would because I was under contact.

"It just seems I think its right for me at this stage in my career."

Boro go to title-chasing Scunthorpe on Saturday under a caretaker stewardship of new signing Derek Mountfield and Wadsworth's assistant Ray McHale. Senior professionals Jamie Hoyland and John Kay will also assist in a four-strong management team.

Chairman Russell described the timing of the development as a major shock and declared that the position of manager would be advertised.

Russell further explained that a few weeks ago Wadsworth had voiced to step down believing a fresh face would be needed. A clear the air meeting was held after their heavy 4-1 defeat, ironically at home to Scunthorpe, Boro's next opposition.

"This has still come as a bit of surprise to us all, especially that a club has come in for a manager near the bottom of the table," said Russell.

"But that's football. Obviously he felt he could not take the club any farther and he believed that the club needed a fresh face to give the players and the club a lift.

"The prime aim now for the club is to get stuck in, get cracking and get the right results to make sure we stay in the League. that's the most important objective."

Former Carlisle manager Wadsworth, who has a sizeable reputation throughout the game, came to the club in 1996.

He listed the highs of his time at the McCain Stadium to be reaching the Division Three play-offs last May and also beating Newcastle United reserves with 'my ragamuffins and kids'.

Today's shock departure was confirmed in a club statement, which read: "Scarborough FC announced that Mick Wadsworth has relinquished his position as manager of the club in order to take up a similar position with Colchester United.

"Myself as chairman and the board of directors thank him for his efforts over the last few years and wish him every success in his new career."

Wadsworth was appointed to the McCain Stadium hot seat in June 1996 and within months transformed a moribund club into one of the most attractive sides in the third division.

Boro seemed on the brink of appointing David Hodgson, now in charge at Darlington, when Hodgson pulled out - news which Wadsworth spotted on Teletext and promptly applied for the Scarborough post.

Boro finished 12th in Wadsworth's first season in charge after being second to bottom the previous campaign.

Last season he did even better, taking his squad, put together on a shoestring budget, into the play-offs after finishing sixth but were beaten by Torquay in the play-offs.

This season has been a differnt story as cash-strapped Boro are second to bottom and fighting for their league status.

Wadsworth has also been manager at Carlisle, assistant manager at Norwich and a coach at Barnsley.

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