LEGENDARY Swindon Town defender Colin Calderwood has been appointed as Cambridge United’s new head coach.

Calderwood, who helped guide Swindon to their first – and only - season in the Premier League in 1993 when winning the Division One play-off final - joins Town’s League Two rivals on an 18-month contract and will take charge of his first game at Morecambe this weekend.

The 53-year-old has enjoyed a varied managerial career since his retirement as a player in 2001 – managing clubs including Northampton Town, Nottingham Forest and Scottish outfit Hibernian.

Cambridge have struggled for form in League Two this season, which prompted former boss Joe Dunne’s sacking on the first day of December.

Performances since then have seen Cambridge drop to 22nd in the League Two table, just one point clear of relegation threatened Notts County.

Graham Daniels, director of football at Cambridge United, told the club’s official website: “We are very pleased to have secured Colin as our head coach.

“The decision to appoint him was taken unanimously by the whole Board. “Colin brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success as a player, manager and coach. He is a very respected character who clearly shares the values of the Club.

“He has impressed us all during the process with his maturity, energy and hunger to succeed.

“We know that there is real talent in this squad which we will strengthen further in January.

“We all hope that under Colin’s leadership we can build some greater consistency to improve our current league position.”

Calderwood’s first press conference as Cambridge boss will take place tomorrow (Thursday) at 1.30pm.