After the abject performances and abysmal failure last season which resulted in Relegation to the basement League, John McGreal and his assistant Steve Ball 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

Photo: Action Images

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