COLCHESTER United’s revitalised players are on the up, under Danny and Nicky Cowley.

And the U’s management duo have used one particular method to bring the squad even closer together.

Colchester claimed their first victory under the Cowleys after winning 1-0 at Morecambe on Saturday, making it five points from their first three games under the new head coach.

READ MORE: Five things we noticed from Colchester's win at Morecambe

The U’s squad that made the long trip up to the Mazuma Stadium featured a number of recent additions, including Alistair Smith, Riley Harbottle and Harry Anderson.

As is tradition, new signings are required to sing to the rest of the squad, as part of their initiation.

But boss Danny Cowley has revealed it is not only the new recruits who have been asked to make an introductory contribution, as he bids to bring the squad closer together.

Cowley said: “From day one I said ‘clean slate, no looking back, look forward now, what’s gone has gone’.

Gazette:

“The boys that have been here a long time were very keen for the new boys to sing.

“They’ve had a choice – they can either sing or they can tell their story.

“I just said to them ‘remember what I said about a clean slate and no looking back and starting again?’

“Well, they all have to sing or tell their story now – I just think it’s a really nice way for us to connect as a group and to learn more about each other.

“We’ve done it at our previous clubs and it’s been great to get to know each other and I just think you can then create a relationship.

READ MORE: 'It just wasn't acceptable' - Ged Brannan on Morecambe defeat

“You’re together for such a short time in football, because the game moves so quickly so you have to really cherish the moments you spend with each other and really work hard in trying to build a strong bond and a strong relationship, if you want to be a successful team.”

Danny Cowley claimed his first win as Colchester boss at the weekend with victory at Morecambe.

Arthur Read’s outstanding free-kick secured them all three points against the Shrimps and Cowley believes a bond is growing, within his squad.

Gazette: Arthur Read

“We’re starting to feel a connection off the pitch and also a connection on it,” added Cowley.

“You can’t have one without the other, because if you can create a connection off the pitch, then the players understand one another, they understand their journeys, they understand the whys – why they play the game, why they love the game and I think then in the moment of battle, when the heat is on, they’re more likely to go the extra yard for each other.

“I feel that growing connection and now of course, it’s three games and three unbeaten and five points.

“We always try to fight for two points a game and we’re getting close to that now.”