They wave white handkerchiefs at the Nou Camp if the fans want Barcelona's manager sacked.

Disgruntled Reading supporters swung Y-fronts above their heads in protest at the club's disappointing start to the season.

Burnley fans turned their backs on the team for an entire match when things weren't quite as rosy up at at Turf Moor.

Now Colchester United supporters have come up with their own unique idea -- but it isn't a protest at the club's lack of ambition.

Instead they will be turning out to pay homage to the man who saved their season when the U's play Bristol City at Layer Road on April 29.

They have christened the date as "Shorts Day" and U's fans will be turning out in force as a mark of respect to manager Steve Whitton.

The U's chief has worn shorts on the touchline come rain, sleet or snow ever since he took over from Mick Wadsworth in August.

Now U's fans are planning to turn out in shorts for the club's final home game of the season to mark Whitton's achievements.

Lea Finch, a founder of the popular U's fans' forum, got the ball rolling at their last meeting.

She explained: "Steve always wears his shorts and and we just wanted to say thankyou in some way for all his hard work and achievements. He even joked he would wear them to the club's player of the year presentation.

"But we are urging every U's fans to put on their shorts for the final home game to pay tribute to the man who saved our season."

The idea has also gained support of the Colchester United Supporters' Association.

Chairman Jon Burns added: "The movement is quickly gathering momentum and we've set a target for more than 2,000 fans to don their shorts.

"Whitton has done a hell of a job and it's all about saying thanks for making sure we don't have a miserable summer contemplating Third Division football next season."

Whitton, who wore his shorts even when temperatures plunged below freezing for the game against Wycombe in January, said: "Our target is still to make sure we don't get relegated and hopefully we will be assured of safety in time for the Bristol City game.

"Normally fans are calling for the manager's head so of course it will be great for the fans to have a bit of fun by wearing shorts.

"I don't feel the cold and I feel far more comfortable watching the game wearing a pair of shorts.

"I'm sure it will be a fun-filled day and when the teams run out and I see everyone wearing shorts it will bring a lump to my throat.

"I've never heard of anything like this happening to a manager before so maybe I will be setting some kind of trend, you never know."

The club shop is currently holding a sale and fans can pick up a pair of home or away U's shorts at reduced prices: Adults shorts: £12.50, childrens: £10.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.