Colchester United manager Phil Parkinson has thrown down a stirring challenge to the U's fans and players as he seeks a positive finale to a memorable season.

The ambitious U's boss said the season starts today, adding: "My message to everyone is short and sweet: 'We've got a chance to make history for Colchester United from now until the end of the season and we've got to grab it'.

"I want everyone to look back on Sunday's tremendous FA Cup performance at Chelsea as just a highlight - not THE highlight of our year."

FA Cup hero Wayne Brown - nominated by the FA as one of the players of the fifth round - echoed his manager's words and said: "We mustn't let things slip now.

"We've got 14 cup finals left in the League and we've got to be prepared to battle and earn the right to play our football.

"And while everyone goes on about little old Colchester, the manager has built a squad that is more than capable of challenging for promotion."

U's fans can vote for Brown as player-of-the-round by visiting www.thefa.com

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Published Tuesday, February 21, 2006

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