Up the Us

Bright Start to the Season

The U’s have opened the season with three wins – two in the league and a Carabao Cup victory over eastern rivals (as they are now) Peterborough United.

Samson Tovide carried on from where he left off last season.  He was man of the match in the two league matches and scored three goals.

If people were wondering how the summer transfer dealings would affect the line-up, they got a view in these matches.  Most of the ‘first team’ is a carry-over from last season, with Tovide, Edwards, Takahashi, Petersen, Ruiz and Labrovic continuing in what seems to be Danny Cowley’s most favoured choice – he doesn’t like the term ‘first team’.  Incoming players to that line up are Fabien Louis alongside Tovide, and an entirely new defence of academy promotees and free transfers.

We know Cowley likes to rotate two ‘first teams’, and the ‘other one’ features Max Dean up front, Chilvers, Fevrier, Viudez, Abrefa, Giraldo and Monteiro from last season (albeit that Giraldo was an academy promotee in January), with incoming players such as Aguilar accompanying Dean up front, new signing Kian Best at left back and academy promottes Felipe Gonzalez on the left Alexander Schmitt as CDM and goalkeeper Edward Forster.

The rest of the squad appears to be the impact subs at the moment.

It’s a mix of experience and ‘bloodied’ youngsters which is an interesting combination at this point.

Two More Squad Additions

Two more players have been added to the U’s squad, and both of them are ‘free’.

Goalkeeper Otto Fischer (18) has been signed as a free agent, taking the goalkeeping contingent up to 4.

“Otto came to train with the squad and we liked what we saw.  He knows he’ll primarily be a backup and will have to work to push for a regular starting spot.” Said Manager Danny Cowley.

When asked whether this meant that Labrovic could be moving on, Cowley said “If and when a decent offer comes in for Ned, from somewhere he wants to go to, then obviously, we wouldn’t block that.  I stress, however, that he’s perfectly happy being here and we are with him, so at the moment, there is nothing on the horizon.”

Attacking Midfielder Iago Miranda (16) has been promoted from the academy, further underlining the strength in that department. 

The exciting prospect joins a crowded department, with the likes of Olav Petersen, Noah Chilvers and Ryan Norton already in the squad.  “Iago had to be promoted.  He’s an exciting talent and it’s encumbent on me to make sure he gets the level of game time that’s appropriate for him to continue his development.  I’m sure the others are already looking over their shoulders; competition spurs us all on.”

5 Wins in a Row – and An Old Friend Calls

Col U made it five wins from five in League One, as they beat fellow promotees Bradford City, local rivals Peterborough United and ex-Premier League Charlton Athletic.

The Bradford match saw the debut from the bench of CAM Iago Miranda and the exciting prospect did not disappoint, scoring the last of 4 U’s goals on 88 minutes, making him an instant hit with the fans. 

“He’s going to make my job harder, isn’t he?” said Manager Danny Cowley after the match.

The match against Peterborough United saw a repeat of their previous meeting in the first round of the Carabao Cup, the U’s coming out on top with an identical 3-2 scoreline.  This time, a Col U old boy – Kwame Poku – almost undid the U’s, scoring twice from his midfield berth and generally causing chaos in the U’s defence. 

Poku Enjoys His Return

Poku moved to Peterborough in summer 2021 after playing 62 games for the U’s and it was interesting to see his development; he didn’t play in the Carabao Cup match, so this was the first time the U's have faced him since his move.  Every U’s scorer was an academy graduate in this match, underlining the strength of the academy system at the club.

Gonzalez Celebrates his Goal Against Posh

“It’s a good start, but that’s all it is,” said Cowley.  “It’s encouraging that we have competed and beaten, clubs that are big in this league, but the tests keep on coming.”

Statement signing there, breaking the previous record fee three times

Five consecutive wins, already looks like this will be a season with back to back promotions. Tovide looking class again, and a funny mention with former Colchester-player Poku scoring a brace against you. Love these former players to come back to haunt you.

I'm curious about the Iago Miranda signing. He's a youth player, who has his first name on the back of his shirt, and not the last name. I don't think I've seen that before. Have you found a way to change it by any chance, or is it something that happens sometimes with Spanish talents? I don't know, I usually scout for talents in the country, I'm playing in.

@JustinCase0110
This is the first time I've ever seen it in an academy player, across all the years I've been playing this game.

I know that, if you create a player, you can determine what name goes on the shirt, as I have created players before - for example, when I did the Man United career where we sold loads of players to prop up the Glazer empire, but Miranda isn't one I created - just signed to the academy in the middle of last season and then promoted recently.

My academy players are all doing so well, it's incredible really - better than I've ever had. I don't know what it is about this career, but it all seems to have come together. I have a number of others that will be promoted at some point; some of them next season, I hope.

I always have three scouts for the academy. There is always one in the country I'm playing in, another in Europe and a third in South America. I move them between countries as their scouting period ends. I always go for the best scouts I can afford, and sometimes, when I get 'richer', I fire a scout to appoint a better one.

I just get so much pleasure at seeing them develop. It's a big part of the game for me. Probably influenced by supporting Manchester United for so long!

The signing of Best (again, another memory for me as a United supporter) was only possible because of the £5 million-worth of sales.  I was surprised I could sign him, knowing how hard it is to attract players to the bottom two divisions in this game. 

U’s Lead the League One Table

Col U lead the League One table at the end of August, two points clear of last season’s relegated club, Rotherham United.  A 4-0 win over Blackpool kept them ahead of the Yorkshiremen, with another man-of-the-match performance from Samson Tovide.

Before that, the U’s crushed League Two Gillingham 1-6 in Kent, with star of the match being Bradley Ihionvien, who not only hit a hat-trick but also made Fox’s first goal. 

“Bradley was unplayable,” said Manager Danny Cowley.  “He’s really grabbing hold of his chances in the face of fierce competition for a starting slot.  I love it when my players make me really think.”

The table looks very rosy indeed for the U’s at this point.  “It’s early days, of course, but we have really started off well.  I’m especially pleased at the defence, which struggled last season, but our new back four is doing well.”  Said Cowley.

Samson Tovide shares joint top spot in the League One golden boot race at this early stage:

And he predictably leads the U’s scoring race, just as he did last season.

Col U Spend Some More Money!

In the daying days of the transfer window, the U’s invested some more of the money they raised through sales.

Midfielder Alex Matos (19) has signed for the U’s in a £1.3 million deal from Huddersfield Town.  Matos made one Premier League start for Chelsea before moving to Huddersfield, having also been in the Norwich City youth set-up.  He is capable of playing anywhere in midfield and therefore can expect to slot in wherever needed.

Manager Danny Cowley was pleased with the acquisition:  “Alex is just the kind of utility midfielder we have been looking for.  We invited him to look at our set up here and he’s been sufficiently impressed to want to join us.”

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge here,” said Matos.  “I know there are some really good players here and I won’t be a shoo-in to the starting eleven, but hard work has never bothered me.

“I’m here to help get this team into the Championship, and maybe even beyond.”

Asked whether any more purchases can be expected, Cowley said: “not in this window.  Whether we can do anything in January remains to be seen, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves now.  I have a great, young squad here and we need to see whether we can keep the momentum.  Young players are famous for being a bit inconsistent, so whether we need a bit of extra experience for the second half of the season, we’ll see.”

Matos’ arrival does call into question the future of midfielder Cameron McGeehan (29), who hasn’t featured much so far. 

McGeehan: Uncertain Future?

He was still at the club as the window closed, which will come as a relief to some fans, who do believe experience is going to be vital.

Winning Streak Continues

Col U recorded another three wins, including statement victories over serious rivals for promotion.

An opening win against Bradford City in the BSM Trophy all but guaranteed progression to the knockout rounds of the competition, with new boy Alex Matos starring in the diamond anchor position.

That was followed by wins over Rotherham United and Derby County, two teams expected to be fighting hard for promotion to the Championship.  Striker Liam Lambert starred against Derby with two goals.

Lambert MOTM against Derby

The U's dominated the match at Rotherham, with over 60% possession, and peppered the Rotherham goal with shots.

The win over Rotherham extended Col U’s lead at the top to five points already. 

Meanwhile, Colchester discovered their next opponents in the Carabao Cup – Tottenham Hotspur, at White Hart Lane. 

“It’s a test for us, for sure,” said manager Danny Cowley.  “It’s one we are really looking forward to.  Big stadium, massive crowd and one of the ‘big six’.  We can’t wait.”

U’s Top at End of September

The U’s continued to lead the League One table at the end of September, after a near clean-sweep of victories in the month.  The one blot was a draw against Wycombe Wanderers at home on 21st September.  The U’s lead Rotherham United by six points and a vastly superior goal difference.

Samson Tovide kept up his steady scoring rate, hitting the net in three matches, to place him second in the golden boot chase.

With Rotherham in 2nd place, it speaks volumes that you dominated them so massively og beat them so easily.

First points dropped vs Wycombe, but you're on a steady path to back to back promotions here. Hard to see anyone being able to stop you...

White Hart Lane 😉

Signature Carabao Cup Win Leads to Hangover

Col U recorded a historic result against Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup, winning 3-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.  The records show that they were assisted by Dragusin’s red card, but the reality was that the Premier League table-toppers were already 2-0 down by that point, stunned by a firecracker start by the U’s, which saw Fabien Louis score in only the 7th minute and Satoshi Takahashi add to the tally 9 minutes later. 

Louis Stuns Spurs

In between the two goals, Spurs captain Heung-Min Son picked up a yellow for a nasty challenge on Olav Petersen, as Spurs apparently lost their composure even before Dragusin’s detonation. 

Dragusin Sees Red

Despite Kulusevski pulling one back before half-time, Olav Petersen restored the U’s 2-goal lead early in the second half and the U’s managed to resist the following onslaught from the 10-man Premier League team to progress to round 4.

This led to an apparent hangover in the league, which saw Burton dominate at Camulodunum, as the U’s home crowd saw another draw and then suffer a thumping at Edgeley Park, as Stockport County ran riot, winning 4-1.

“It’s been an interesting fortnight,” said manager Danny Cowley.  “I guess we got over-excited at the win against Spurs.  That’s something we have to work on, as we can’t let things slide by way of celebrations.”

One Out and Two In

Further adjustments to the U’s squad have seen two arrivals and an agreed departure.

Academy goalkeeper Isaac Blake (16) has been promoted to the first-team squad, as a reward for his performances in the under - 18s.  The exciting prospect will have to wait his turn, however, but the U’s have a lot of games to play this season.

“Isaac has a great future in front of him and we simply couldn’t ignore the signals any longer.  It’s down to me to find playing time for him.” Said manager Danny Cowley.

Also joining the club is Jesus Mancilla (19), a right-winger who has impressed whilst training with the U’s.  “Jesus was spotted by our scouts and invited to come for some training sessions.  He’s quick, a good crosser, works hard and knows where the goal is.  We had to offer him a contract.” Said Cowley.  Mancilla was unattached, and is therefore another free acquisition.

The squad is rather filling up and it must be the case that there will be departures at some point.  “We have the spectre of some of our good players being subject to bids, so we have to make sure we are well provisioned,” said Cowley.  “This is a healthy squad, with lots of options and it keeps me on my toes, trying to keep them all happy.”

One player who will be leaving is left-back Ellis Iandolo, whose transfer to Sivasspor will take place in January, for a reported £520,000.  Iandolo has fallen out of favour, with the twin threat of record signing Kian Best and academy promotee Aitor Fuentes meaning that appearances have been few and far between. 

Off to Turkey: Ellis Iandolo

“Ellis had the great experience of helping us to promotion last year, so he’s an attractive prospect for another club.  The offer was too good to resist and he’s happy to move to Turkey.  We wish him well.” Said Cowley.

Cowley: Lots of Players to Keep Happy

The reshaping of the squad seems to be continuing.  “Football never stands still,” said Cowley.  “Over time, there will be more ins and outs.  Of that you can be sure of any club.”

Justin..., I mean: Stockport to give you first severe beating this season - ouch!

Still, comfortably on course for promotion to The Championship: keep calm and go on

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@CO88LER5 wrote:
I've rarely seen an opposition team at this level be so dominant. I just couldbn't get the ball and, when I did, they intercepted everything.

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They must have a really good coach 😉 Haha... Beating Spurs, then losing 4-1 to County, that's surprising... 

A Brace of Braces          

Xisco Aguilar was the star of the second half of October, scoring twice in two consecutive league matches.

He scored twice in 9 minutes against Plymouth, a match in which the U’s recovered their form after the 4-1 thrashing by Stockport, and then scored a brace in 14 minutes in the second half of the 5-0 romp at Exeter, which also saw two goals from fellow academy graduate Fabien Louis.

“Xisco is really finding his feet in this division, now,” said manager Danny Cowley.  “He’s a very bright prospect indeed and I can only see him getting even better.”

The U’s finished off the league month with a 2-1 win against ‘Hollywood’ Wrexham, via a second-half strike from Fabien Louis. Which took his tally for the season to 6 from 11 games in all competitions.  This was despite Wrexham dominating the game:

“Fabien is another who is adjusting well to professional football, and I expect this trend to continue as the season unfolds,” said Cowley.

The U’s continue to top the table, leading Rotherham United by 5 points. 

Of note also is that the U’s now have the best defence in the division; something that Cowley said “we have been working on.”  Whether that continues is to be seen, but the new-look defence does seem to have gelled now.

Samson Tovide remains the main goalscorer for the team, although the two academy graduates are beginning to put pressure on him.  It’s a healthy place to be.

Historic Win Leads to Another Hangover

Colchester United made more history in the Carabao Cup, as youngster Xisco Aguilar fired the U’s into the next round with an 86th minute strike that left the travelling Man United fans in shock.

A capacity crowd at Camulodunum witnessed an incredible match, in which Manchester United fielded a largely youth and fringe player side until half-way through the second half, when Erik ten Hag sent on Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund.  It was all to no avail, however, as Xisco Aguilar ran half the length of the pitch on a breakaway to slot past Andre Onana.  The Cameroonian had been one of the few regular united first-teamers to start the match.

Aguilar Celebrates his Winner vs United

“It’s a statement of where we are getting to,” said manager Danny Cowley.  “Okay, some might say we only played against half a team, but we scored when their big guns arrived and anyway, you can only beat what the other side puts out.”

Erik ten Hag was unapologetic about his starting eleven, which somewhat disappointed the home crowd initially.  “We put out a team we believed would win.  It’s all about attitude and desire.  The players who started had the chance to stake a claim and we now have to think about how they performed.

“All credit to Colchester.  They have a good team who played with the necessary desire and heart, and they have a really good young striker in Aguilar.  He’s definitely one to watch.”

The U's will face Premier League mid-table Nottingham Forest in the quarter-final, for a chance to go further than they have ever been in the competition.

Again, following such a signature win, the U’s stumbled at home, losing 2-1 to struggling Northampton Town in a close match which saw almost even possession.  Losing 2-0 at half time, Fabien Louis was sent on in the second half to try and rescue things, but one goal only from him left the U’s on the wrong end of the scoreline.

“It’s probably a bit of an indication of our lack of full maturity,” said Cowley.  “Big wins like the United match obviously have an effect and we need to learn how to refocus.  It will come with time.”

Gotta love the Wrexham game there. Being dominated so heavily, then stealing a 2-1 win. Incredible. Man United win a crazy achievement, only to go from that into losing to Northampton Town. Almost destroys the accomplishment before, doesn't it? Or maybe not. It's not like you can't afford a defeat or two in the league, as it is.

Question: Once or twice you've mentioned, that you tend to change a "full team", having a first 11 and second 11 approach. Give or take. You have 5 substitutions to make each game. Don't you use them to keep some of the players fresh to play in successive games?

I usually tend to work with two team sheets:

one with 4 or 2 defenders (usually a form of 4-3-3), one with 5 or 3 defenders (a form of 5-2-3 or 5-2-1-2), depending on how defensive/attacking.

I tend to work with a top 18 of players (starting eleven, seven on the bench) and then eight youngsters (own academy or scouted from elsewhere). In total, a squad of 26 first team players (including three goalies). That is a slight decrease to how I operated before with a triple occupation of every position by first team players. Back then it was 33 first team players and a full acaemy squad (49 players in total).

I do try to have an academy team where all positions are covered to ensure a natural flow of promotion by youth players. So, essentially I've gone back from 49 players to 42 players (26 first team players and 16 youth academy players).

Progress in the FA Cup

The U’s cup exploits continued; this time in the FA Cup, where a 6-1 thrashing of Wycombe Wanderers in the first round saw the home side taunt ex-U’s manager Matt Bloomfield with a rendition of ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’.  Bloomfield famously left the U’s in February 2023 to ‘move to a bigger club’, so the fans really enjoyed reminding him which club was in the higher position now.

A draw against Port Vale, which saw the U’s line up against another old boy, winger Gavin Massey, and a victory at home to Carlisle United, saw the U’s retain leadership of the League One table.  The Carlisle win was notable for academy promotee Fabien Louis’ first senior hat-trick, as the Cumbrians found him completely unplayable.

Fabien’s hat-trick took him to first place in the U’s scoring chart, one ahead of Samson Tovide, who has entered a bit of a barren spell at the moment.  “Every striker goes off the boil, now and then,” said Manager Danny Cowley.  “I’m sure Samson will be among the goals again soon.

Lambert out for 4 Months

Striker Liam Lambert broke a toe in the match against Port Vale and will miss at least 3 months.

Lambert: Time in the Treatment Room

“It’s a shame for the lad, as he was getting into his stride, but we’ll have to hope he doesn’t have complications,” said manager Danny Cowley.

Lambert has been doing well recently, coming off the bench and getting some starts, and this will be a blow to his development.

10 points from 12

The U’s entered December in fine form, winning three and drawing one of the first 4 matches this month.

The win against Sheffield Wednesday – a big club, despite their lowly position currently – was a signature move, with the U’s dominating the match and winning 3-1.

They repeated the same scoreline at Oxford, where they again dominated possession, shots and passes.  “We are controlling games more and that’s what I want to see,” said manager Danny Cowley.

It didn’t happen that way in the next match, at home against Shrewsbury Town, where the match finished all square in terms of scoreline and possession.

Colchester then made the long journey north to Carlisle and brought back the points in a more closely-fought contest than the home match against the same opposition last month.

Next up for the U’s is a date with Premier League Nottingham Forest, in their historic quarter-final match in the Carabao Cup.  The U’s have never been further than this in this competition, so if they can pull it off, it would be a piece of history.  They have already knocked out Spurs and Manchester United, so why not?