Colchester United’s season continues to gain momentum, and manager Danny Cowley believes his squad is now the strongest it has been since he arrived at the club.
The U’s will travel to Carlisle United this weekend aiming to extend their excellent recent run, having secured 13 points from a possible 15 in League Two. Cowley attributes this consistency to an increasingly competitive squad, strengthened by seven signings in the January transfer window.
For the first time under Cowley’s leadership, the manager finds himself in the position of having to leave senior players out of the matchday squad due to the quality in depth.
“For the first time since I’ve been at the club, we’ll probably leave senior players behind this week, which we’ve never been in a position to be able to do.
“This is the strongest our squad has been and it’s the most competition for places that we’ve had.”
Driving Standards
Colchester’s improved squad depth has not only provided more options on matchdays but has also intensified the level of competition in training. Cowley believes this is a key factor in maintaining performance levels.
“Competition drives standards,” he stated, adding that his squad is constantly striving to improve. “All we want individually and collectively is just to be better than yesterday.”
Maintaining consistency will be vital as the season progresses. Colchester currently sit in 11th place, still within reach of the playoffs. Cowley, however, remains focused on ensuring his side first reaches 50 points, a target he believes guarantees safety before shifting ambitions higher.
“We’ve tried to stay really performance-orientated and process-driven,” Cowley said. “We know if we get that right, then the outcomes take care of themselves.”
Site Opinion
Colchester United are in their best form of the season, and the impact of their January signings is evident. Cowley’s side looks well-balanced, with healthy competition for places driving performances. The trip to Carlisle presents another opportunity to keep the momentum going, and if their form continues, a late push towards the playoffs cannot be ruled out.
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