Football Season Guide

After three successive years of struggle Colchester United will be hoping Danny Cowley is the man to change their fortunes. Cowley certainly has the experience and pedigree, having had a transformative effect on Concord Rangers, Braintree Town, and most notably, Lincoln City. He has really struggled to get a grip on the U’s in his first four months in charge. External factors didn’t help either with several postponements due to the diabolical playing surface at the Colchester Community Stadium. They avoided losing their EFL status by just three points and something needs to change. Those changes have begun in earnest as the club opted to cash in on their better players. Midfielders Jay Mingi and Jayden Fevrier were both sold to Stockport County whilst centre-back Connor Hall returned to former club Port Vale. They were unable to prevent midfielder Cameron McGeehan and from joining Northampton Town on a free whilst Ross County paid an undisclosed fee for midfielder Noah Chilvers. Midfielder Arthur Read and striker Samson Tovide have admirers and the U’s may struggle to resist their advances. None of this makes Cowley’s job any easier but he has made some good additions. Goalkeeper Matt Macey could play at a higher level whilst centre-back Tom Flanagan and midfielder Alex Woodyard have plenty of EFL experience. The standout signing so far is midfield playmaker Jack Payne, who will provide some much-needed creativity. Clearly there are going to be more incomings and outgoings before the transfer window shuts. In the meantime Cowley will be hoping to be given the time to build a team similar to that at Lincoln City.