– Comment –
This time last year Colchester were still riding high on the euphoric wave of League One promotion joy, savouring the slim prospect that they might gatecrash the Premiership after just one Championship campaign.
Fast-forward to the present, and the only way you might chance across Col U at the top end of the table is by turning the page upside down.
Team 24 of 24. Bottom. Last. They think it`s all over? It isn`t yet, even though the record books persist in filling out the future in various bleak ways.
If you`re a U`s fan, it cuts through the heart to read, as we did in this morning`s EADT, that the spectre of a first relegation in nearly twenty years would, without more wins, make 2007/8 the worst ever season at Later Road.
Trouble is, cutting remarks can lead to a cut-up credit card: fans might decide against renewing their season ticket when the club are on the verge moving to a new ground – to add salt into that particular wound, Chief Executive Marie Partner would not deny on BBC Essex that prices would rise, even in the event of the trapdoor opening.
Ironically enough, the U`s current predicament is a media man`s dream; best season ever last year, to possibly a worst of all time this is a pretty black or white picture to paint. It`s sure a juicy juxtaposition when the heroes of yesteryear become today`s failures – caption writers everywhere are suddenly put out of a job because facts freely fall into laps.
The stat that would record the 2008-mark Colchester United in the annuals of ‘worst ever` is not set in stone, but looks a weighty anchor to leave on a seemingly sinking ship. Yet, it`s still live: if the club double their wins total to twelve (currently six) then the Houdini escape might very much be on.
Fine, this column concedes it`s not quite that simple -Geraint Williams now has to fight the pressure of his job result by result, because some of the fans need convincing that his club will shed the shackles of a perilous drop-zone. Besides, the U`s need must less to worry about beating the book and more about beating the clock.
While Williams admitted he does not set targets after Saturday`s loss to Crystal Palace – he would not betray a figure of points needed between now and May – he must know that the really important score is a winning one. Wins, starting against 22nd-placed Sheffield Wednesday tonight, are more important than any tallies or records.
True, football works best when nostalga, statistics and a jolly good game are all married under one rocking stadium. But there`s no time for that kind of precise alchemy now – the team can ping the ball like a beautiful ballerina, or bulldoze the opposing penalty area for all the faithful care.
Cue the motivational songs, because tonight`s game signals the start of Colchester`s last-chance saloon in the Championship.
The mantra of choice for this column`s soundtrack would be: points, not pretty-boy passing or Prozone-perusing, win prizes.
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When I was reading it I thought it was a CO2 piece, than I saw your name. Well Done Matt.
Cheers – just had to gee up the team!!
Good Piece Matt it is however too late Williams is too Stubborn to realise that he has ballsed up big time this season with his Long Ball Rubbish!
tough one
A CO2 piece? Is that a compliment or insult? 😉
Great stuff Matt – here’s hoping for 3 points tonight eh?
Anyone can be anyone in this league… but can we beat anyone enough times to aviod the drop? Don’t want the stats to show that this season – the last at Layer Road was the worst.
Think it is just a copywrite phrase as well, C02!!
A compliment mate, your writing is quality. 🙂 Yeah lets get the three points tonight!
Yeah we want a win!! And we need it!
Up The U’s!!!!!!
come you owls
UP THE OWLS. hoping for a win 2nite sorry guys
Nothing to be sorry about Mick everyone wants there team to win! 🙂
well done wednesday. but sorry we couldnt help you tonite . UP THE OWLS
It looks like it’s over, but until it has that R at the side of your name in the table it’s not over, just got to keep battling and you never know what can happen?
Maybe… they think it’s all over – it might just be now!!
10points adrift its a big ask but you never know
Thanks – let’s just hope you are right Micky! Well done for the win, it was such an important game. They normaly end in a draw when hyped!! Did you you bring many away fans? Because anyone who saw the game, do they know if Kevin Lisbie had a legitimate goal ruled out?? Beevers and Wood were seen celebrating, according to BBC Essex comments, when the goal that might have made it 2-2 was ruled out!! Suppose it doesn’t matter now…
Wednesday (credit to them) brought alot for a Tuesday night. Well the ref said it wasn’t just got to move on now. 🙁
850 owls made the journey not bad for a tuesday bight is it