Colchester United finished 9th in EFL League Two last season, missing out on the play-offs. Now, with a new season inevitable, United will be looking to improve on push-on.
Ahead of their opening fixture against Tranmere Rovers on the 2nd of August, I sat down with Lower Tiers writer and Colchester United fan William Mallard-Smith (BigWillColu on X) to talk all thing United in a Colchester United interview.
Before we start, I would like to thank William for taking part in this Colchester United interview, His responses were informative and aim to give you an insight into Colchester United as a club currently.
The Colchester United Interview
Question 1: United Improved Massively Last Season Finishing 9th. But, How Would You Summarize The Season?
“The opening couple of months started in similar fashion to the previous season, continuing the negative mood surrounding the club, but in late November, the Cowleys finally pulled the squad together.
Two late equalisers against Barrow and Bradford were a turning point for us, kickstarting a 9 game unbeaten run, including seven consecutive clean sheets, which was followed by a 13 game unbeaten run from January to March.
Unfortunately however, the form dipped in the later stages of the campaign, causing us to just miss out on the playoffs, but overall it felt like a stark contrast to previous years of misery.”
Question 2: What Was Your Favourite Moment Of Last Season?
“My favourite moment of the 2024/25 season is a tough choice between two games.
First Game is the home fixture against Swindon, where (coming in with low expectations on a cold Tuesday night in December) we found ourselves 4-0 up after 40 minutes, thanks to a dominant attacking performance.
My second option is the home fixture versus Walsall, who at the time were league leaders. Finding ourselves 1-0 down late in the second half, a late wondergoal from Owura Edwards secured the win, in what felt like a real moment of belief for fans that playoffs were a possibility.”
Question 3: What Would You Rate Colchester’s Transfer Window Out Of Ten?
“So far I’d rate it a 6.5, mostly due to the lack of depth currently.
Each addition so far has been sensible and solid, in particular Will Goodwin on loan from Oxford who has shone throughout pre season and Ben Perry from Nottingham Forest, fighting off interest from League One clubs for the Centre-mid who seems to be the Jamie McDonnell replacement.
My concerns lie with the lack of additions at the back, with only two contracted first team centre-backs and no current available left-back, due to Ellis Iandolo’s severe injury and Kane Vincent Young turning down a new deal.
I am keeping my fingers crossed a couple more defenders arrive before the opening fixture!”
Question 4: Who Has Been United’s Best Signing Of The Summer So Far?
“I’d say it’s a toss up between Will Goodwin or Ben Perry.
Goodwin has seriously impressed in pre season, and could be a key to success in front of goal next season, especially if Samson Tovide departs, leaving Goodwin to play the role of the physical striker.
On the other hand, Ben Perry has been the most surprising addition, with Northampton Town holding heavy interest earlier in the window, beating them to his signature despite our lower budget this summer. Yet another young CDM from Forests academy, surely they won’t let us down this time!”
Question 5: Which Area Of The Squad Needs Improving The Most And Why?
“100% the defence! At the time of writing we have just two contracted first team centre-backs, one right back, and one left back who’s injured for around 12 weeks!
Cowley stated in his post match interview after a friendly versus Dagenham & Redbridge that a few more defenders are being targeted, as winger Oscar Thorn has featured at right back throughout pre season, and trialist left back Kurai Musanhi being used for the U21s rather than first team.”
Question 6: Who Is Colchester’s Best Player Currently?
“Personally I would say our key player in our upturn in form was none other than Jack Payne!
Featuring in the 2024/25 L2 TOTS, our link-up play and creating chances looked incredibly sloppy on the few occasions he didn’t feature, as he added 18 goal contributions throughout the season, with only two players providing more assists in League Two.
He hasn’t featured yet in pre season, causing an entire change in formation, due to his absence!”
Question 7: What Do You Think Of Colchester United Currently?
“I think the overall aura around the club feels the most optimistic for a while.
Fans are expecting good things this campaign, a nice change from the usual doom and gloom in pre season, despite the proposed takeover from the Lightwell Group falling through.
Chairman Robbie Cowling is still looking to sell the club, and with the right owners, the trajectory will hopefully continue upwards.”
Question 8: Are Colchester Prepared For Next Season?
“Ahead of the new campaign, I think the foundations of the squad are there, as a majority of the squad remains in place, with the only question at the moment being whether Lyle Taylor agrees a new deal.
A few new additions are definitely needed, especially if Samson Tovide and Owura Edwards move on for decent fees, which will increase the lower than average transfer budget this window.”
Question 9: Can Danny Cowley Deliver Success To The Club?
“Absolutely, I don’t doubt him one bit.
Our first bold managerial appointment in what felt like decades has definitely payed off, as Cowley sees rebuilding Col U as a project he wants to be a part of.
After countless successive internal or unproven appointments, Cowley is finally bringing back the connection between the supporters and the squad, every game he makes time to shake hands with supporters, really building a sense of community back within the club, as attendances have almost doubled since he took over!”
Question 10: Can You Give Me Your Prediction For How Colchester United Will Do Next Season?
“From what I’ve seen in pre season, I’d say 6th or 7th is a realistic target, given that our budget is quite a bit lower than other sides that are expected to finish in the top seven, but with some extra recruitment in the defensive department and a full season of fitness for some of the slightly more injury prone players such as Teddy Bishop, potentially an even higher finish could be on the cards.”
Thank you for reading the Colchester United interview with William Mallard-Smith. If you have feedback about the Colchester United interview, please comment it below.
