Colchester United

Why I'm On Board - Matt Baldwin

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In the latest of our Why I'm On Board series, Matt Baldwin tells us why he's got his ticket safely renewed for 2013/14.

We've had a good number of fans renewing over the past couple of weeks, and Season Ticket Sales remain ahead of last year as the new campaign draws ever closer.

The 2013/14 fixtures were released this week, increasing the sense of excitement as Joe Dunne and his players prepare for the new season.

The first game I ever went to was Accrington Stanley away in the FA Cup. Layer Road was a dream place to be, it was rocking every week. I used to sit in the Family Enclosure and I would say that the best day of my life was when we get promoted at Yeovil to go up into the championship - a day never to be forgotten.

My connection to the club comes through my granddad, who was a massive Colchester United fan. He used to follow them home and away in the Conference many years ago, but sadly passed away in October 2010.

As I grew up, I moved around the ground to the Barside and I loved it, whilst my granddad moved to behind the goal as he was getting older and my dad went with him. 

Then Joe Dunne took charge and, although I was interested to see how he would cope with his first job, he quickly proved he knows what he is doing, with a couple of brilliant signings and then just kept us up at Carlisle on an amazing day for us. The players knew it was a must win game and they did it! 

Last season was a long season - when John Ward was in charge, I believed in him but the results didn't go our way. He is a top bloke and he will always be part of the club's history.

Joe has already digged into the transfer market, with Jabo Ibhere the latest to sign, following Craig Eastmond to the club.

I've decided to get a Season Ticket because Joe and the team proved me wrong last season and now I believe that this year is going to be a positive season.

Last year, I had a break from my Season Ticket, but I still only missed four games in total, home and away. Things look good with the hard work I'm seeing at the pre-season camp in Ireland and also the fixtures have been good to us I think.

They were both with us last season and Jabo is loved by everyone.

I'm looking forward to being up there next season and to see what we can do. The fans are all confident with Joe and the team and, with a few more signings, it will be us at Wembley next May!