THERE was a moment at the start of the half-time interval during Hayden Mullins' first game in interim charge of Colchester United that provided a glimpse of a productive working relationship forming.

As the U's interim head coach Mullins walked across the University of Bolton Stadium pitch and towards the tunnel area during his side's at Bolton Wanderers, he was deep in conversation with Paul Tisdale as they chewed over the details of a goal-less first half.

It was the first time the pair had worked together and while both established football men, the contrast in their depth of managerial experience was huge.

While at the age of 42, Mullins was taking charge of only his fourth competitive first-team match, Tisdale brought to the table more than 700 games in the hot seat.

When the pair took control of the first team following Wayne Brown's departure at the end of last month, Colchester were in a perilous position near the foot of the table.

Five games later and they now find themselves on the brink of securing safety, after claiming eight points from a possible 15 in that time.

It has improved at both ends of the pitch.

Colchester have netted in four successive games following their 2-0 win over Southend United on Tuesday night, a crucial Essex derby triumph.

Indeed, they have scored two goals in each of their last three games, having not so long ago gone five matches without finding the net, helped by a switch to a 4-4-2 formation over recent games.

And at the other end, under Mullins the U's have kept two clean sheets in his time in charge, the only blot on the defensive copybook their 5-2 defeat at free-scoring Oldham Athletic.

The former West Ham United and Portsmouth favourite deserves plenty of credit for the way in which he has helped to turn things around for Colchester, since being elevated from his previous role as assistant manager.

But he is quick to acknowledge the considerable influence that Tisdale has had, working in an advisory role beside him.

"Tis has been massive," said Mullins. "He's a very, very experienced manager, at this level. "He's got some very good ways and methods of working.

"He's been massive with set plays, general team play - he's been really big and really big for the group.

"He brings a wealth of experience for me personally and being selfish, there's so much you can learn from him.

"He's been perfect and I think the relationship is working really, really well and he brings so much."

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Make no mistake, Mullins has been the man in charge of Colchester, over the last few weeks.

He has been the one picking the team, the voice that has predominantly been heard in the technical area. He has helped turn things around, for the U's.

But Tisdale's influence at matches and at their Florence Park training ground has been considerable.

And that is hardly surprising, giving his vast experience over the years in charge of Exeter City, MK Dons and Bristol Rovers.

A man well known for his incredibly trendy dress sense, he has typically looked sharp in the technical area, with the bright yellow gloves he sported for the win over Walsall last weekend particularly striking.

Tisdale best friend Ray Kelvin owns the Ted Baker brand and often provides his pal with his snazzy outfits.

He has incorporated that into his management style - something that has proved productive over the years - and is now having an impact at Colchester.

“I think Paul Tisdale’s attention to detail is probably the best that I’ve ever played under, just with the tiny little things he calls nuts and bolts," said U's skipper Harry Pell.

“It widens your vision into the Paul Tisdale coaching manual and I’ve really enjoyed working with him."

Inevitably, with Colchester on the brink of securing their League Two safety, thoughts are already starting to turn to next season and the future.

Many supporters would love to see Mullins and Tisdale at the helm, in the 2021-22 season.

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Having come in as an advisory role until the end of the season, Tisdale's long-term future at Colchester is unclear.

He has been linked with the England under-21 position - vacated earlier this month following the departure of former U's boss Aidy Boothroyd from the role - and clubs are bound to be interested in his services.

Whether Tisdale remains at Colchester past this season, time will tell.

But even with three games still remaining and safety in touching distance, he has certainly played his part in helping Mullins and Colchester United get themselves on the brink of escaping a very perilous position.