U’S legend Micky Cook has backed plans for the return of Friday night football to the town.

Colchester United are discussing the possibility of hosting some of their games a day before the scheduled weekend league programme.

The likes of Southend United and Tranmere Rovers have hosted games on Friday nights in the past, attracting healthy crowds in the process.

And the U’s also have a history of playing ahead of the weekend, while at Layer Road.

Cook – who clocked up a club record 695 appearances in 15 seasons at Colchester – has plenty of experience of playing on Friday nights.

He feels playing more home matches under the floodlights at the Weston Homes Community Stadium would be beneficial to the club.

Cook told the Gazette: “I think it would be a great move.

“There would be loads of benefits for Colchester.

“As a player, a Friday night game under the lights at Layer Road was something that we really looked forward to.

“The supporters had just finished work for the week and that triggered a feel-good factor of starting the weekend off by watching the U’s.

“I think it gave us a psychological advantage.

“It was a great feeling to win on a Friday night and then sit back and watch the pressure on the other teams the following day.

“Layer Road had a special atmosphere and we felt that we could create a bit of a fortress and that we could use it as an advantage.

“All clubs need people to come and support them and it definitely helped to increase the gates and revenue.”