We Take a look through the sides that we will come up against in League Two next season.
Who Are They?
Colchester United are a club based in Essex and they were founded in March 1937. After spending 13 years playing in the Southern Football League, the U's joined the Football League in 1950 and they stayed there until 1990. Despite featuring in both the Third and Fourth Divisions during that 40-year period, relegation to the conference was suffered in 1990.
However, just two years later the club won promotion back into the Football League and they have remained there ever since. During the 2006/07 season, Colchester United recorded their highest ever league position, finishing 10th in the Championship. Now back in League Two, the U's will be hoping that they can bring League One football back to the Colchester Community Stadium.
How Did They Perform Last Season?
The 2016/17 campaign was Colchester's first in fourth tier for 18 years, but they couldn't make an immediate return to League One as they narrowly missed out on the play-offs. As well as picking up a number of impressive results, plenty of frustrating days were also had as inconsistency cost the U's. Results on the final day of the season meant the club finished in eighth place, just one point away from a play-off spot.
With regards to cup competitions, it wasn't a season to remember for Colchester United supporters. They exited the EFL Cup at the earliest possible stage as a hefty 4-0 defeat was inflicted by Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion. A disappointing group stage in the Checkatrade Trophy meant they crashed out of that, whilst a home loss to Chesterfield saw their FA Cup campaign end rather prematurely.
Our Last Meeting
Vale last faced Colchester in the latter stages of the 2015/16 season, March 5th to be exact, and the home fans at Vale Park were left celebrating a victory. With the U's arriving as the division's bottom club, the Valiants were able to stretch their unbeaten home record to 14 games and keep up their push for a play-off berth.
Just nine minutes in, Theo Robinson registered his first goal for the club to put his side ahead. Byron Moore then found Sam Foley with a pinpoint cross in the second period and he made no mistakes with the headed finish. Rob Page's men then continued to dictate proceedings after doubling their lead, but they couldn't add to the scoreline and the game finished 2-0 in Vale's favour.
How To Get There
- Take M6 south then merge onto M42. Merge back onto m6. Follow signs for A14
- Leave the A14 and then join the M11.
- Come off the M11 at J8 (Stansted Airport/A120) and follow the A120 towards Braintree & Colchester.
- The A120 then joins the A12 and after passing the stadium on your right, leave the A12 at Junction 28.
- Turn left at the first roundabout, then turn right into United Way from the second roundabout.
By Train
You can also get to the Colchester Community Stadium via train.
The nearest railway station is Colchester North and it is situated just under two miles away from the stadium. It would take about 25 minutes to walk, but shuttle buses are usually available on matchdays for supporters.
Odds On Promotion
According to Sky Bet, Colchester United are 7/2 to get promoted from League Two this season. They are also ranked at 16/1 to lift the league title.