The current on-site poll asks uses to select their 2009/10 Colchester United Player of the Year and here Vital Colchester runs down the most likely candidates along with a little recap of their progress during the current campaign.
Let the jury – that`s you folks – decide!
Ben Williams – Goalkeeper
Signed: July, 2009 – 65,000
The somewhat controversial arrival of Ben Williams from Carlisle last summer was shrouded in mystery as less-than rave reviews surfaced about the man originally schooled at Manchester United.
The 27-year-old`s transfer was held up as U`s striker Scott Vernon, later loaned to Gillingham and Southend this season, decided the chance to become a makeweight in the deal.
Williams was brought in to replace the still popular, if somewhat beleaguered, Dean Gerken. Gerken departed to Bristol City in the season`s interim following a lack of first-team football and loan spell with Darlington under Paul Lambert.
Williams quickly defied U`s sceptics and his previous critics, explaining he felt that his career development to date was hindered by a lack of goalkeeping coach at Crew.
He has subsequently has kept, to date, thirteen clean sheets and is very much endeared to the Colchester supporters. Their partisan view has given way to a chant proclaiming to all who will listen that he is currently League One`s best stopper.
Marc Tierney – Left Back
Signed: November, 2008 (Loan); January, 2009 – Undisclosed
Marc Tierney`s notable loan form promoted the club to capture him permanently from Shrewsbury last season and the 24-year-old impressed suitably enough in the club`s colours to end 2008-9 as Young Player of the Year.
Committed, pacey and strong, Tierney has continued to impress this term and is an obvious contender for the full accolade.
Kemal Izzet – Midfielder
Signed: April, 2001 – Free
Kem Izzet has reclaimed his dead-cert starting place in Aidy Boothroyd`s team this season and is the squad`s current longest-serving player, with over club 330 to appearances to his name since joining from Charlton.
First signed for Colchester ten years ago this month, Izzet has been a great servant and no longer lives in the solely in the shadow of his brother Muzzy, who famously turned out of a Premiership Leicester City and later for Birmingham.
Previously twice receiving the Young Play of the Year award, if would be fitting if Izzet`s consistent displays this term were rewarded with the full accolade. He is also due to celebrate a U`s testimonial, on July 31.
Anthony Wordsworth – Midfielder
Signed: 2006 from trainee
Anthony Wordsworth`s first full season as a regular for Colchester has been one of the success stories of campaign, as the player now has 11 goals to his name to date.
Operational either as a winger or central player, Woody was promoted in the ranks post Paul Lambert`s departure to Norwich, previously used sparingly as a sub.
Wordsworth and Medi Elito, the latter presently on loan with Cheltenham, were signed out of specific praise during the first week of Boothroyd`s tenure at the club and have since enjoyed a relative renascence.
Kayode Odejayi – Striker
Signed: January 2010, free
A barnstorming loan spell for former Barnsley striker Kayode Odejayi lead to Colchester signing him full-time as he could no longer trade his reputation in Yorkshire on a famous goal against Chelsea for the Tykes in the F.A. Cup.
Six goals in 12 starts for Colchester saw Odejayi appear to reap the rewards of a re-association with John Ward, who worked with the forward at Cheltenham.
He last scored for the side during their last away win against Yeoville but has since suffered an injury which limited his recent showings.
The best of the rest: Magnus Okuonghae, Kevin Lisbie, John White.
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Well, Tierney certainly has been good but without Williams – who has been immense – we would be even further down L1 IMO. [Edited by StevieG Col U]