U's players to compete for starting berth (From Gazette)

U's players to compete for starting berth

3:00pm Friday 13th July 2012 in npower League One Table & Results By Jonathan Waldron

New boy - new signing Freddie Sears is set to feature for Colchester United in their friendly at Heybridge Swifts tomorrow. Picture: STEVE BRADING (CO54785-43)

John Ward has vowed to give all of his players the chance to earn a place in his new-look U’s side.

Colchester United play their first pre-season friendly of the summer tomorrow when they travel to play Heybridge Swifts.

The U’s are hoping to field around 20 outfield players over the course of the game at Scraley Road (kick-off 3pm).

Summer signings Freddie Sears and Marcus Bean are expected to feature for the U’s against Swifts.

And with the likes of Ben Williams, Magnus Okuonghae and Kayode Odejayi having left for pastures new, U’s boss Ward wants his players to stake a claim for a place in his starting line-up for their League One curtain-raiser at Preston North End, on August 18.

Ward said: “There are no given or fixed ideas from me about what my team is going to be at Preston.

“Pre-season is a vital period for these players.

“They were given programmes during the summer and everyone wants to be pushing for the first team.

“I’m hoping to get as many out on the pitch at Heybridge as I can tomorrow.”

For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, see Friday's Gazette.

Comments(7)

Boris says...
12:41am Sat 14 Jul 12

Well, of course he wants them all to compete for places, otherwise why is he paying them?

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Steve86 says...
12:56pm Sat 14 Jul 12

Haha Boris. Hopefully new look means ditch the old. Don't play Izzet or Duguid. Just heard that Magnus has signed a 3 year contract with us, and I'm really hoping Freddie will kick start his career with us, along with Jon-Jo O'Toole

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Mr Honest says...
6:54pm Sat 14 Jul 12

Disgraceful decision to give Magnus a 3 year deal. He chose to leave but nobody would take him despite the clubs linked with him. He came crawling back. His heart isnt in playing for CUFC.

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crazy comments says...
7:36pm Sat 14 Jul 12

Mr Honest wrote:
Disgraceful decision to give Magnus a 3 year deal. He chose to leave but nobody would take him despite the clubs linked with him. He came crawling back. His heart isnt in playing for CUFC.

You have surprised me by your thoughts. I think personally after talking to a few clubs deep down inside Magnus heart was still very much with Col Utd, so saying his heart isnt in it, is way of the mark. Also give credit to J.W. where its due he had a big influence bringing him back. Better the devil you know is better than the devil you dont. I'm sure he will have a big smile on his face tommorow at the open day and I for one will shake his hand and say glad you stayed.

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Mr Honest says...
9:52pm Sat 14 Jul 12

First time we have ever disagreed! I will look out for you tomorrow. Wear a Southampton top so you stick out so I can come shake your hand!

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crazy comments says...
2:48pm Sun 15 Jul 12

Mr Honest wrote:
First time we have ever disagreed! I will look out for you tomorrow. Wear a Southampton top so you stick out so I can come shake your hand!

I was going to wear yellow and green, but then I thought if Super is around he might get upset, thinking it might be a Canary supporter. Just got back to my daughters from the ground so only just read your blog so we might have passed each other. Regards Ben and Magnus I think they must have been offered fair deals because Ben has openly admitted it was not money he was after. His reasons being,The clubs aspirations fell short of his,considering he was promised the club would be contenders for promotion when he signed. I think he could see that was never going to happen, so he jumped ship.

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Mr Honest says...
10:47pm Sun 15 Jul 12

Was delighted to chat to Robbie Cowling today. Whenever I have e mailed I have been ignored! Good to see Steve Ball. Played under him at Stanway Rovers. I did look around wondering who Super Walugi is. My money is on the weedy media bloke Matt!

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