Football Season Review

It was a season to forget for Colchester United, who almost lost their Football League status, but survived by the skin of their teeth. Owner Robbie Cowling announced the pending departure of four key players from last season’s squad even before they had been beaten in the play-off semi-finals by Exeter City. It was a reaction to the global Covid-19 pandemic as he sought to protect the clubs finances. Head coach John McGreal soon followed and Steve Ball was appointed from within as his successor. Part of his brief was to bring through some talented youngsters in the first team and they made a steady if unspectacular start to the campaign. Ball stuck rigidly to a 4-2-3-1 system with midfielder Jevani Brown converted into a lone striker. Things started to unravel in winter and the weather didn’t help turning the Community Stadium pitch into a bog. The sale of full-back Cohen Bramall to Lincoln City was a further blow. They went on a 14-match winless run which saw Ball sacked and replaced by former player Wayne Brown. A 2-1 win over Carlisle United in March ended that run but it was the only victory in 24 games and Cowling acted again, replacing Brown with Coach Hayden Mullins. A crucial 2-0 home win over local and relegation rivals Southend United in April was enough to ensure they kept their heads above water. It has been a bruising season for everyone at the club and they will need some to reflect this summer. Mullins might have have done enough to keep the job for next season and he certainly tightened the defence.

Player of the Season: Tom Eastman