COLCHESTER United will not wear the club's famous blue and white stripes on their home shirt for the first time in decades, it has been announced.

Earlier this afternoon, U's chairman Robbie Cowling released a pre-season update for supporters gearing up to the new campaign.

In it he discusses issues including the departures of star players Sammie Szmodics and Frankie Kent, the club's investment in youth and improvements to the matchday experience.

But he also dropped a cryptic hint about the U's new kit, the first glimpse of which is set to be on Sunday.

Mr Cowling said: "The first team kits are normally introduced just before the open day, but I'm going to use this statement to give a clue to the look of this year’s home kit.

"For most years, but certainly not all of them, the Colchester kit is blue and white stripes.

"This year is one of those years where we are going to make an exception.

"The clue to what can be expected is that I hope this year's kit will repeat the amazing cup success Colchester last had when they wore a very similar kit."

The last time the U's wore a non-stripey kit is believed to be in the late eighties.

The reference to cup success could be in relation to the U's performance in the FA Cup in 1971 when they famously beat Leeds United.

Colchester United's new home shirt could be unveiled before the club's open day on Sunday, when it officially goes on sale.

Visit cu-fc.com/news/2019/july/robbies-pre-season-update.