Colchester United have named Tom Flanagan as their new Head of Recruitment, tasked with identifying and assessing potential new players for the U's. The 34-year-old former defender, who retired from playing in the summer after suffering an Achilles tendon rupture in training in March, will be responsible for recruiting new talent to the club. Colchester have been without a head of recruitment since the departure of Jon Duckett to Southend United, in May.
What happened?
Tom Flanagan has been named as Colchester United's new Head of Recruitment, tasked with identifying and assessing potential new players for the U's.
Why it matters for Colchester
The appointment of Tom Flanagan as Head of Recruitment is a significant move for Colchester United, as the club looks to strengthen its squad and improve its chances of success in League Two.
What comes next?
Flanagan will be responsible for recruiting new talent to the club, and will work closely with manager Danny Cowley and assistant manager Nicky Cowley to identify and assess potential new players.
Colchester United are currently 11th in League Two, with 1 point from 1 game, and are 2 points behind leaders Walsall. The club's next fixture is away to Gillingham on February 27, 2027.
Flanagan has already had an influence on new signings at Colchester, this summer, and has spoken to new signings, including Leon Chiwome, who joined the club on a season-long loan from Championship side Wolves.
Flanagan told cu-fc.com: "I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to take on the Head of Recruitment role at Colchester United. The five Accrington lessons Colchester United must carry forward "Having spent two years here as a player, I've developed a real connection with the club and have seen first-hand the progress that has been made and the positive direction we are now moving in. "For me, this role makes complete sense. I'm excited to use my experience and understanding of the game to help support Dan and Nick, ensuring our recruitment is aligned with what they need and the direction we want to take the football club. "I'm really looking forward to playing my part in helping Colchester United continue to move forward."
Flanagan made 62 appearances for the U's after joining them from Shrewsbury Town in the summer of 2024, and was club captain during his time at the club. He has also represented Sunderland, MK Dons and Burton Albion during his playing career.
Flanagan will continue his rehabilitation alongside his new role, and has already had an influence on new signings at Colchester, this summer. He has spoken to new signings, including Leon Chiwome, who joined the club on a season-long loan from Championship side Wolves.
Colchester United's next fixture is away to Gillingham on February 27, 2027, and the club is currently 11th in League Two, with 1 point from 1 game, and are 2 points behind leaders Walsall.
