Ghanaian teen striker Kwame Poku will work under new coach at Colchester United following the appointment of Steve Ball.
The 49-year old trainer is no stranger to at Colchester United, having been a player and coach ahead of becoming the man in charge of first team affairs this week following McGreal’s departure
After making 75 caps for Colchester United over two spells, Steve Ball has returned to the club in a coaching capacity.
He combined this with his role as Manager of Leiston, before coming on board full-time to look after the U15s enrolled at Thurstable School.
In December 2015, when David Wright was promoted to become Assistant Manager under Kevin Keen, Ball took over as Manager of Maldon & Tiptree, a role he combined with being Assistant Boss to the then U’s U23s Manager, John McGreal.
The club’s Chairman Robbie Cowling said of the appointment: “Steve was a natural choice for Colchester United to make because as well as being an excellent coach, he knows the club inside out having started as an Academy coach.
“He also understands the demands of the first team, having been John McGreal’s assistant for the last four seasons.”
“Steve is taking the reins as first team coach at a pivotal time for the club. The financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic has forced Colchester United into releasing a number of senior players that I’m sure Steve would have liked us to have kept.
“Steve is likely to have to deal with issues that no First Team Coach or Manager before him has had to endure.
He concluded “However, our club is not alone and I trust that everyone is appreciative of our situation and will give Steve their full support.”
Poku, 18, was voted as Colchester’s Young Player of the Year following his impressive display for the club.
The Ghanaian international had a fantastic campaign with Colchester in the English League 2 in his maiden season playing 38 games and scoring five goals as they finished sixth on the league log.
