Zach Thornton tells us why he supports the U's.
Colchester United launched their 2016/17 ticketing details at the recent home game against Rochdale as the club and fans alike prepare themselves for some exciting new challenges next season.
We are proud of the work we are doing with families at the Weston Homes Community Stadium and it's fair to say that supporting the U's can be in the blood, with many of our supporters having been introduced to the club by family members.
As we prepare for the start of sales in July, we've begun to ask fans for their stories of how following the U's is in their blood.
Next up is Zach Thornton, who has been a long term fan of the U's and was mascot for the first ever game at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.
For the upcoming season, I believe we need to be challenging for the play-offs at least, but we need to recruit the right players as League Two is physical and many teams like playing long ball. With a few players to be added to the squad and if we keep the core of the squad now, I can't see why we can't challenge for the play-offs and maybe even automatic promotion.
1) How many generations of U's support are there in your family?
I know there are 5 generations that support the U's and possibly more.
2) Who was it that introduced you to the club and how did it all start?
My Dad introduced me to Col U. I think my first game was probably against Bournemouth as me have relatives who support them and whenever they play each other, everyone who supports them goes to the match. It was a big game that was always one that we looked out for each season.
3) What is it about the club that has seen the support passed through the generations?
My grandad saw the FA Cup game against the mighty Leeds in 1971 and my dad was still young so he didn't go to that but, after that, he would go to most games.
When my dad moved South he could hardly go until I was born and, once I was about 7, I wanted to go all the time and he was glad so we went up a lot.
We have seen Col U rise from the Conference to the Championship and were even there when we drew 0-0 with Yeovil when we went up, along with the final game at the famous Layer Road. As Col U is such a friendly family club it easy for our family to take the kids to the games.
4) The 'family' gets extended to fans who you watch the game with - how many friends have you made through watching the U's?
I've made many friends while going to Col U games. Twitter has helped keep in contact with them as I live a couple of hours away from Colchester, and I've even brought my friends up to watch Colchester and they have all been surprised the quality of the team and the family spirit around the club.
5) What are your hopes for next season?
For the upcoming season, I believe we need to be challenging for the play-offs at least, but we need to recruit the right players as League Two is physical and many teams like playing long ball. With a few players to be added to the squad and if we keep the core of the squad now, I can't see why we can't challenge for the play-offs and maybe even automatic promotion.