IN any normal year, at this time, we'd be in the throws of the pre-season fixtures, new signings and looking forward to the first game of the season just under a month away.

But clearly this is not a normal year.

At least there are little shoots of the new season just round the corner, with the release of the new home shirt.

It's once again all blue, causing social media to understandably ask why once again we are not playing in our traditional blue and white.

I’d personally like to go back to that, but in order to help the club finances I'll be buying it.

I wonder what colour the away shirt will be? For me personally I’d like it to be red as it will be different and stand-out from the ones of the last few years.

The biggest question hanging over the club at the moment seems to be regarding John McGreal and his linking to the Tranmere Rovers job.

I personally hope he stays, as with the current unknowns who would replace him and there is the fact he is a man who knows the youth set up of the club.

This will be needed next year with a greater need for the younger players to make the step up to the first team.

If he does go, it could well be a case of not really knowing what we have until it is gone.

I was pleased to read that Robbie Cowling will be allowing fans to add their refunds from the 2019-20 tickets to a fund that will then be open to the fans to decide how it is spent.

A number of ideas have been thrown around; safe standing is top of my list for the South Stand and maybe they could do something about the access in and out of the ground with opening up another exit for the car parks at full-time?

Whatever it is used for it will be nice that the fans have their say and can put the money to something we can all make use of.

Also this unpredictable situation of Covid-19 will have an impact on when the season starts and the transfer window.

Both will go hand in hand, as if a later date is chosen and it is more likely to have fans – even in reduced numbers – in the ground then clubs will be more likely to commit to the transfer window knowing that from the off there will be an income stream on match days.

Also on the money front, I would not be bothered if the club was to put the 2020-21 season tickets on sale.

I would, and am sure other fans would also be willing to buy/renew their seats in order to ensure the club has more money to budget with.

Maybe allowing those who do so access to any feeds or access to watch the games in their cars outside the ground together.

One thing I know we do all have and that is a love for Colchester United Football Club, along with the burning desire to get back watching the lads in person, sat in the stands.

How this will happen is anyone’s guess.

But hopefully it is sooner rather than later, even if we do have to sit spread out, anything is better than what we have now.

Maybe every other block could be open along with home fans in the North Stand, to allow the distancing?

What every happens over the next weeks and months, stay safe all and let's look forward to football returning as we know it.

Colchester United season-ticket holder Si Collinson