Kevin Keen looks set to be unveiled as the U's new manager, after watching yesterday's 3-1 defeat at Rochdale alongside Chairman Robbie Cowling.

The 48-year-old emerged as the bookies favourite after caretaker boss Wayne Brown ruled himself out of the running on Thursday. He is also believed to have been in attendance at Southend's 4-1 win over Bury on Friday night, watching the U's Boxing Day opponents.

It will be Keen's first job as a manager, having previously been assistant to Steve Clarke at West Brom and Reading - he left the latter earlier this month. He's also had coaching roles at West Ham and Liverpool.

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