Colchester United have become the second League Two club to sack their manager today.

The Essex outfit have dismissed Wayne Brown after a poor start to the season.

The Us' decision follows that of Hartlepool United, who earlier on Sunday parted company with Paul Hartley.

Colchester are fourth bottom in Carlisle United's division and on Saturday suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Grimsby Town.

That left them five games without a win in the league.

Chairman Robbie Cowling said the club wanted to act "swiftly and decisively" in light of the poor start to the season.

READ MORE: Struggling League Two club sack manager after dismal start to season

He added that Colchester would always be grateful to 45-year-old Brown for steering the club to safety last season after replacing Hayden Mullins at the helm.

"I accept that many of you will feel I have made a harsh decision, given Wayne’s success last season and given that he has been such an exceptional servant to Colchester United over the years as a player, coach and manager," added Cowling.

"On a personal level, I feel that too but as the club’s chairman I have a duty to make what I believe are the right decisions for the long-term future of Colchester United."

Carlisle drew 1-1 at Colchester on the second weekend of the season, and host the Us in February.

Today's news means that, after just nine games of the League Two campaign, three managers have already lost their jobs, Rochdale's Robbie Stockdale having been the first.