COLCHESTER United must give their supporters something to get excited about next season, according to Tim Waddington.

But speaking ahead of next week’s Early Bird season-ticket renewal deadline, the U’s general manager is confident that a greater alliance is developing between the club and its fans.

Colchester have generally struggled at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, over recent years.

But Waddington believes their memorable final-day win over Preston North End was a watershed moment at the venue.

And with season-ticket sales said to be going well so far and the club attracting new followers, he believes a stronger union now exists between the U’s and their followers.

Waddington said: “The Swindon and Preston home games in the final week of the season were quite special.

“There was a real synergy there and the club and the fans were as one.

“There have been too many mediocre moments over the last few years and we have to give the fans something to get excited about.

“But I really think those fans who came along for the final few home games of the season enjoyed the atmosphere in the stadium.

“It’s really refreshing that we’re seeing new faces and new fans coming to our home games.

“We’ve found that there are people coming to the stadium now who haven’t been for a few years or previously haven’t had a season-ticket at all.”

Waddington feels the increased presence of home-grown youngsters in the U’s starting line-up can help improve the link between the club and the town.

“I think fans need to see that we have Colchester-based players and that’s happening,” said Waddington. “When we moved away from the town, we lost touch a little bit and we think we’re starting to get that back now.

“Young players like Sammie Szmodics and Alex Gilbey are playing for the shirt and they’re proud to be at Colchester.

“One of the most telling moments for me was in the final stages of the Preston game.

“Two of our young players – Dion Sembie-Ferris and Sammie Szmodics – came on while Preston brought on experienced strikers Kevin Davies and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

“Sammie and Dion did brilliantly to help us see the game out and I think it really brought home what we’re trying to do with the Academy here. It was one of the most memorable moments in the stadium, for me.”

l Colchester have signed teenager Kieron Bailey on a development contract following his release by West Ham United. Bailey impressed while with the U’s under-21 squad towards the end of last season and has now been given a permanent deal.