Colchester United fan Si Collinson gives his views on U's

And we didn't even need to wait that long to see a new-look Colchester United at work.

After the last few years of suffering and hearing the same old excuses, it has taken just over two days to transform everything.

OK, so that may be me getting carried away but I think that Thursday, January 4 2024 will go down in the history of Colchester United as a day that things finally changed.

READ MORE: The traits that impressed Danny Cowley in Swindon draw

That corner that myself and others have been harping on about has finally been turned and for once, there is now a positive united front across the club at all levels.

What has brought on this monumental change? The long called for appointment of two men who need no introduction, Danny and Nicky Cowley.

The brothers have long been called for by all sections of the fanbase to take the helm and finally – credit where credit is due – Robbie Cowling has dug deep and produced.

I have never seen a managerial announcement in North Essex met with such hype; it was everywhere, including breaking news on Sky Sports (we have made the big time now).

Fans from other clubs were left moaning as to why they had chosen us over their so called ‘bigger’ sides.

On the surface, it is simple; they are local lads who now have the chance to write their names in history of a side they have themselves said they hoped to manager.

But as with all things in football, the road to getting here has not been as straight forward.

While they have been enjoying success at higher levels, it has just not quite aligned that our paths crossed.

READ MORE: Five talking points from Colchester's draw at Swindon Town

The wait has been long and from our point of view, very bumpy and suffering; the Cowleys have also tasted some of the sourer sides of the football industry.

But finally now it has all come together and maybe, just maybe, timing is everything for all parties.

We are a club that has the infrastructure in place, a playing squad that is better than the league position it currently finds itself in and both brothers said they were looking for a long-term project that excites them.

What better than their local side with a fanbase that is crying out for success and visions of a long term plan that will see us all enjoying football as we regain our winning ways and who knows where this could lead?

Not to get carried away but I think this season, safety, and next term challenging for plays-off is a realistic aim.

After that, League One and with backing, stability and a bit of luck, who is to say we cannot get higher? Luton Town spring to mind.

Granted, I am getting swept up in the tidal wave of the last few days, but after being at Swindon Town, it is hard not to.

We looked a different outfit, from the warm-up being used as an impromptu training session, it was clear that the Cowleys are going to use every second of every day to turn the ship around.

The intensity from the players was off the charts from the off, and players looked like they had been granted freedom from their shackles.

READ MORE: Colchester fans give their verdict on Swindon comeback draw

It it is hard to single out anyone, as to a man they put in everything for the shirt.

Coming down from 2-0 to get a draw felt like a win, but in all honestly even losing while not ideal in the race for points, would not have diminished what we saw.

Tom Hopper was like a new signing, Matt Jay finally got the freedom to roam and was rewarded with his first goal and was unlucky to see his second-half shot cleared off the line.

The subs looked hungry to get on and all made a difference and equalising with the last kick of the game felt so much more.

No disrespect to Swindon but the fact remains that with how they are struggling, a point should not have been met with such celebration.

But it was not the point gained or even the equaliser as a single entity, but rather the release of all that has gone on, all the pain and suffering being expelled and the sudden realisation of what it was like to be a football fan again.

If that was what they can do in two short days, I, along with everyone else is buzzing to see what the Bradford game brings, this weekend.

Their first home game in charge will hopefully bring more fans to the ground and with the infectious the passion the pair bring, the stands will be alive with fans getting behind the side, watching fast attacking, exciting football.

A perfect Saturday. See you all there.

Up the U’s.