Groves: U's are lacking leaders (From Gazette)

Groves: U's are lacking leaders

5:22pm Thursday 26th January 2012 in Colchester Utd By Jonathan Waldron

Perry Groves fears a lack of leadership on the pitch is hampering Colchester United’s progression.

But the former U’s winger believes that if they solve the problem, they can make strides up the League One table.

Colchester appeared short of confidence in losing 2-1 to basement boys Chesterfield last weekend.

They have failed to come from behind and win in any league game this season.

However, ex-Arsenal favourite Groves believes a “little more leadership” could be the answer for the U’s, who currently sit 15th.

Groves said: “I think Colchester are looking for a little more leadership on the pitch.

“When I’ve seen Karl Duguid play, he’s one player who you can guarantee will give 100 per cent in every game.

“I talk to a lot of the fans and when players give 100 per cent like he does, they won’t moan.

“I think where Colchester are at the moment is more or less where you would expect them to be.

“But Colchester fans feel that perhaps with a couple of signings, they can push on.

“If they could get a goalscorer or a natural leader in, they wouldn’t be a million miles away from getting into the play-offs.

“They have a fantastic new stadium and a dynamic chairman.

“Yet in a town the size of Colchester, they are only getting crowds of 3,300 turning up.

“But perhaps if the team were winning, they would attract bigger crowds.”

See Thursday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United, including Karl Duguid's exclusive weekly column.