| JM's Super U's to plunder three points against Pools on Saturday 21:34 - Aug 4 with 937 views | durham_exile |
After the abject performances and abysmal failure last season which resulted in Relegation to the basement League, JM and his assistant SB have the opportunity to rectify many things at the first opportunity. They have assembled a strong squad, with a number of high profile signings:
Luke Prosser — central defender and new Club Captain
Doug Loft — experienced midfield player and former Gillingham club captain.
Brennan Dickenson — wide player with pace
Denny Johnstone — striker
Courtney Senior — U21’s pacy wide player
Craig Slater — midfield dynamo
Kurtis Guthrie — striker
Lewis Kinsella — defender
They join existing squad players for the tough season ahead. I am of the opinion that this squad has the ability to reach the play offs at the very least. Ask me again in May 2017!
Saturday sees a long trip to the NE of England and Craig Hignett’s Hartlepool United at Victoria Park (now known as the Northern Gas and Power Stadium). Ironically Hartlepool and Carlisle United are the two closest grounds to my home in Durham and so it will be good to get an early view of the U’s new team and formation.
JM may well line up 4, 5, 1 for defensive duties with a 4, 3, 3 when attacking:
A big welcome back to Sam Walker the now “8 ft.” tall shot stopper is rightly restored to the team after his nightmare injury which cost him the whole of last season. James Bransgrove and Dillon Barnes will be able deputies.
He is likely to be supported by Richard Brindley and Lewis Kinsella at full back. Sadly, Matt Briggs is injured and will be out for about 5 months after surgery. Big George Elokobi will also be looking to stake a claim in the U’s defence together with Frankie Kent, Alex Wynter and Kane Vincent-Young.
Midfield will see two wide players with Drey Wright and Brennan Dickenson supported by the experienced Craig Slater, Doug Loft and the enigmatic Sammy Szmodics. Tom Lapslie, Owen Garvan, Dion Sembie-Ferris and Kurtis Guthrie will also be looking to gain match minutes.
In the striking department we must decide from the mercurial Chris Porter and new boy Denny Johnstone. Whilst Macauley Bonne and Femi Akinwande must also be pushing for starts.
JM will look at the following for his starting XI on Saturday:
Walker
Brindley Prosser (Capt.) Eastman Kinsella
Wright Slater Loft Szmodics Dickenson
Johnstone
Subs:
Barnes, Vincent-Young, Kent, Elokobi, Lapslie, Garvan, Guthrie
The last time that Colchester played Hartlepool on the opening day James Brown scored twice for the hosts in a 4-2 win which saw the infamous puppet brought out by Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling for the first time!
The Monkey Hangers with their mascot H’Angus will be no push overs, Craig Hignett will be looking to start the season strongly against one of the relegated clubs. I believe that JM will also be keen to secure a good early season result and a 2-0 away win is quite likely in the sunny north-east. Games against Hartlepool are often close affairs and when we win we normally achieve promotion!
Safe journey to the travelling faithful.
Enjoy the match.
Up the U’s
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| JM's Super U's to plunder three points against Pools on Saturday on 12:28 - Aug 5 with 884 views | burnsieespana |
I do so hope you are right durham but my money is on the draw which, as it happens I would be happy with particularly if 0-0 as would give the first indications we have sorted out our defending.
My expectations of the team differences from yours would be:
Wynter or Kent instead of Eastman
Porter instead of Johnston
Come on you U's give us a good show and hope for this season! |  | | |
| JM's Super U's to plunder three points against Pools on Saturday on 20:16 - Aug 5 with 828 views | gerry_us |
Can we meet somewhere tomorrow Pete?
Lunch? |  | | |
| JM's Super U's to plunder three points against Pools on Saturday on 22:20 - Aug 5 with 821 views | durham_exile |
| JM's Super U's to plunder three points against Pools on Saturday on 20:16 - Aug 5 by gerry_us |
Can we meet somewhere tomorrow Pete?
Lunch? |
Hi Gerry
An early AGM sounds good.
There is a Frankie and Benny's about 6 mins walk from the stadium
4955 Marina Way TS24 0XZ
If that is ok would 1.15pm be ok to meet up.
My youngest son is also coming to boost numbers.
Look forward to seeing you.
Regards
Durham | |
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| JM's Super U's to plunder three points against Pools on Saturday on 22:50 - Aug 5 with 813 views | gerry_us |
| JM's Super U's to plunder three points against Pools on Saturday on 22:20 - Aug 5 by durham_exile |
Hi Gerry
An early AGM sounds good.
There is a Frankie and Benny's about 6 mins walk from the stadium
4955 Marina Way TS24 0XZ
If that is ok would 1.15pm be ok to meet up.
My youngest son is also coming to boost numbers.
Look forward to seeing you.
Regards
Durham |
Sounds good. See you around 1.15 | | | |
| JM's Super U's to plunder three points against Pools on Saturday on 23:00 - Aug 5 with 809 views | burnsieespana |
Wish I could join you guys but already have a lunchtime appt for 1pm in Mollina, Spain for the best steak I know at 15 euros with the temperature outside of 40c!
Enjoy the game.
Up the mighty blue and whites. | | | |
| JM's Super U's to plunder three points against Pools on Saturday on 23:17 - Aug 5 with 802 views | durham_exile |
| JM's Super U's to plunder three points against Pools on Saturday on 23:00 - Aug 5 by burnsieespana |
Wish I could join you guys but already have a lunchtime appt for 1pm in Mollina, Spain for the best steak I know at 15 euros with the temperature outside of 40c!
Enjoy the game.
Up the mighty blue and whites. |
Burnsie we certainly can't match your surroundings or climate but the Marina at Hartlepool and HMS Trincomalee moored at the Historic Quay gives a hint of nostalgia for former days of glory.
Enjoy your steak we will enjoy the three points!
Up the U's | |
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| JM's Super U's to plunder three points against Pools on Saturday on 13:39 - Aug 6 with 749 views | durham_exile |
| JM's Super U's to plunder three points against Pools on Saturday on 22:50 - Aug 5 by gerry_us |
Sounds good. See you around 1.15 |
Apologies Gerry, Frankie & Bennys not yet constructed!
We are in Jacksons Wharf next to tricomalee. If you don't see this, I'll see you at the ground.
Sorry again! | |
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