Kevin Keen and his assistant David Wright took over on Monday and on Boxing Day encounter a local derby against the Shrimpers.

Unseasonal mild weather may have closed one Winter Wonderland, but the WHCS is definitely open for business.

A match that sees the return to Colchester of Johnny White, David Mooney, Ben Coker and Sian Bolger. White still only 29 played 255 games for the U’s. Southend are also having a decent season back in league one under Phil (Orange) Brown and saw off the Shakers last week.

Additionally, a recent Boxing Day poll on games played against all opposition sees our opponents in 34th place with 29 wins out of 72 matches whilst the U’s are in 90th place with 15 wins out of 52 games played. So much for the stats and records that are there to be broken!

Now a tasty festive match will be all the Merrier with a near full house at the WHCS. Where is Jamie Cureton when you need him?

KK’s first big call is the Goalkeeper after Jamie Jones return to PNE. I think that Elliott Parish will get the nod over youngsters Dillon Barnes and James Bransgrove.

Sam Walker’s new two-year contract will have given the club a big lift. The 8ft 6ins shot stopper has been sorely missed this season!

Sordell, Szmodics, Garvan and Ambrose are all out and so KK options are slightly limited. However, he will strengthen the defence by the inclusion of Kane Vincent-Young.

Team:

Parish

Brindley Kent Eastman Vincent-Young

Gilbey Moncur Edwards

Harriott Porter Massey

Subs:
Barnes Elokobi Briggs Lapslie Sembie-Ferris Bonne Wright

This is a match that requires no motivation, a derby where the bragging rights are up for grabs. League position is immaterial, it is all about the 90 mins on the day and which team wants it more. Colchester owe their supporters a performance, KK will be looking to get off to the best possible start as Manager.

The opportunity to be reunited with old friends (fiends) will spur both sets of players, let us hope that we finish the game with 22 players remaining on the field of play.

A decent playing surface will allow for a feisty affair and I envisage the U’s prevailing in a tight match.

Safe journey to the faithful (some public transport will be affected by engineering works) and good luck to KK as he begins the task of rebuilding the club. A derby victory will be the encouragement needed before the Priestfield clash against high flyers Gillingham.

Enjoy the game.

Merry Christmas

Up the U’s

Photo: Action Images

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