Two key dates in the fixture calendar.
As a dramatic season for both sides in Essex drew to a climax in 2014/15, the end result saw U's clinch survival on the final day, before Southend achieved promotion in the League Two play-off final at Wembley.
With both teams confirmed in League One for the upcoming season, the fixture list release has an extra buzz with the revival of the Essex rivalry eagerly anticipated by both sets of supporters and clubs.
The U's will first play host to the Shrimpers on Boxing Day, 192 days from now, where Tony Humes and his team will hope to spoil the fans with a festive present.
This fixture will mark the first time that Southend will have travelled to the Weston Homes Community Stadium since 2010, when Anthony Wordworth’s brace secured a 2-0 victory.
The date also holds good memories for Colchester in the derby as, on the last time that the two sides met at Roots Hall, the U's ran out 2-1 winners on Boxing Day 2009, six years previous.
Colchester fans will then only have to wait until February 6th to make that long awaited return south to Roots Hall.
Having been over five years since that last face off, no Colchester first teamer has played in the Essex Derby, making it a new experience for both manager and players.
However one very familiar face with plenty of Essex Derby experience for Colchester, could be due line up against them.
John White, who made 255 appearances for the U's over nine seasons, now captains Southend from the right side of defence, having made the switch across Essex in 2013.
Full Derby Fixture Details
- Saturday December 26th, 3pm: Colchester vs Southend (Weston Homes Community Stadium)
-Saturday February 6th, 3pm: Southend vs Colchester (Roots Hall)
* Please note that the fixtures are subject to change for a week
* Please note that the fixtures are subject to change for a week