Colchester United

After what has been a very busy few days, I thought I would take time to write to you as a Season Ticket holder ahead of our upcoming games.
Below, we publish Tony's thoughts for all fans to read:-


On Thursday afternoon, Tony wrote to U's Season Ticket holders to give his views on becoming manager and what lies ahead for the club.

The managerial duo took the hotseat on Monday and have spent the week with the squad to prepare them for their game against the Saddlers.

I am hugely proud to have been given the chance to manage Colchester United. I have been here for a number of years now, working in the Academy, and have taken great pleasure in seeing the club develop in that time. I am now looking forward to taking the first team forward alongside Richard Hall.

The first few days have been as much as I expected and it has been a very interesting experience already.

The first team players have got to work on the training ground this week and they've been great, responding well to what we've asked of them in each of our sessions so far.

We have an excellent squad here, including many players that have come through the ranks in the Academy and it is important to me that we can continue to develop our own talent. 

Having been in charge of the Academy over the last few years, I am well aware of what players we have coming through and I am keen that there will be players that get their chance in the first team when the time is right in their development.

Those young players are well versed in our style of play and, as manager, I am keen to carry on with the style you have seen the first team develop in the last couple of years. 

Each manager has his own take on the intricacies that make that come together, and already the players are taking on board the small tweaks that Richard and I want them to be aware of.

In truth, there's not a great deal to fix! The players have played well in their opening games, without getting the reward for their efforts. 

We want the players to enjoy their football, play with composure and have the confidence that they can go out and win the game, whoever the opposition is, and then they will get their rewards.

At 3pm at Walsall on Saturday, I will be calm and ready to go, although I am sure there will also be some excitement about taking my first game as first team manager.

I know that many of you will be making the trip to the Midlands and giving the team your full backing, so let me thank you in advance for the fantastic support you give Colchester United.

I look forward to meeting many of you during the course of the coming months.

Tony Humes
Best wishes,