Long serving fan urges supporters to see the team to safety.
I, like many of you, have followed OUR beloved Colchester United for more years than I can remember. I've lived in the town for my whole life and I've witnessed the growth of the club from the days at Layer Road to our new home at the Weston Homes. To all of my fellow U's fans...
And those efforts encouraged long time supporter Gareth Barnes to put his thoughts in an e-mail ahead of Good Friday's game against Oldham. Here's what he had to say.
Many of the fans who went to the Lamex Stadium were inspired to attend from a social media campaign from their fellow supporters keen to give the team a strong backing going into the final fixtures of the season.
The U's were represented in good numbers at Stevenage on Saturday as the team picked up a crucial win over their hosts to give themselves breathing space above the bottom four in League One.
And those efforts encouraged long time supporter Gareth Barnes to put his thoughts in an e-mail ahead of Good Friday's game against Oldham. Here's what he had to say.
Many of the fans who went to the Lamex Stadium were inspired to attend from a social media campaign from their fellow supporters keen to give the team a strong backing going into the final fixtures of the season.
The U's were represented in good numbers at Stevenage on Saturday as the team picked up a crucial win over their hosts to give themselves breathing space above the bottom four in League One.
We as a club have been through our fair share of highs and lows over the last 75 years, most notably the high 2005/2006 season when we were promoted to The Championship, where the feelings of unity, pride and passion were so evident amongst fans and players alike.
It made me really proud to be from 'little old Colchester' as the national press like to call us.
It made me really proud to be from 'little old Colchester' as the national press like to call us.
Some of you may ask why is he bringing up stories of the past? Well...the reason I say this is that as you all know we have been experiencing what many could call a low period over recently on the pitch, be it with injuries, losing streaks, or fighting for our lives at the wrong end of the table.
And despite all of what has gone on in this time I truly believe that if we show the same trust and commitment to our manager Joe Dunne that he has shown to this club over many years, he - along with all of the players - will turn this situation we find ourselves in around before the season is out. This will lay the foundations on which we can only improve next season and beyond.
And despite all of what has gone on in this time I truly believe that if we show the same trust and commitment to our manager Joe Dunne that he has shown to this club over many years, he - along with all of the players - will turn this situation we find ourselves in around before the season is out. This will lay the foundations on which we can only improve next season and beyond.
To all of the squad: all we as fans ask of you in these remaining games is that you play them like they are a cup final! Give every ounce of passion and commitment you have within yourselves and show us that you all have the same pride in wearing our famous and beloved Blue and White stripes as we do.
We will always be behind you as a squad and as individuals, even more so in difficult times like we're in now, and this started at Stevenage this weekend where you were backed by a strong contingent of U's fans from the first minute to the last.
Don't be afraid to perform and show us all what you are capable of, because ultimately by playing without fear you are already half way there to winning the battle of each and every game that is left.
We will always be behind you as a squad and as individuals, even more so in difficult times like we're in now, and this started at Stevenage this weekend where you were backed by a strong contingent of U's fans from the first minute to the last.
Don't be afraid to perform and show us all what you are capable of, because ultimately by playing without fear you are already half way there to winning the battle of each and every game that is left.
To the management team: I (and I would hope many of my fellow fans) do believe in and respect the ethos and brand of football you are trying to bring to the club. I for one especially enjoyed the days of old where we would keep the ball on the ground, go at teams from the outset and dictate the game until the opposition gave in.
I know that's easier said than done these days but if you stick to your principles and be bold when the time is right, the season will be turned around for the better and we will be a League 1 team next year. The foundations for a great and exciting future are there, we just need to continue to build on them in the years ahead, and see where it takes us.
I know that's easier said than done these days but if you stick to your principles and be bold when the time is right, the season will be turned around for the better and we will be a League 1 team next year. The foundations for a great and exciting future are there, we just need to continue to build on them in the years ahead, and see where it takes us.
To everyone that has taken the time to read this: we have 5 'cup finals' left between now and the end of this season, and I believe that these are the biggest weeks in the clubs most recent history lying in wait for us.
We all need to approach each game without fear and grab every opportunity with both hands and embrace them when they are presented to us. We're in this together and we must never forget that!
We all need to approach each game without fear and grab every opportunity with both hands and embrace them when they are presented to us. We're in this together and we must never forget that!
If we all play and sing our hearts out as one like I know we can, and with the UNITY, PASSION & PRIDE I know we all have among us, WE WILL STAY UP! Remember after all..."we are as strong as the old oak tree".
We are forever Blue and White!
Up the U's!
Gareth Barnes
28 years old and Colchester through and through.