The Super U’s led by JM kick off their fourth successive League Two campaign on Saturday against Port Vale led by coach Dave Kevan. Port Vale have new owners, and this will be their first match in that capacity. Carol and Kevin Shanahan recently took over from Norman Smurthwaite.

Port Vale have injury problems and doubts about Cristian Montano, Ryan Lloyd and Rhys Browne. But they do have plenty of attacking options with David Worrall and David Amoo as wide players with Richie Bennett, Mark Cullen and the legend that is Tom Pope potentially leading the line.

Now JM may not want talk of promotion or play offs, but this season is all about getting out of league two and we must start as we mean to go on. Tomorrow is all about the three points and to get early season confidence before we travel to Plymouth (one of the favourites for promotion). My tickets for Plymouth and Grimsby arrived yesterday, but a handsome home victory is the number one priority.

Recent comment has been about the U’s signing former Arsenal left back Cohen Bramall (he never actually played for the Gunners but comes highly recommended). The official Colchester site has not confirmed his signature yet but if he has indeed signed then he must go straight into the matchday squad, especially as Ryan Jackson appears not to have overcome his stomach injury.

Another newsworthy item is that Academy Goalkeeping Coach Darren Smith has been reunited with Dean Gerken having signed from Ipswich as the new U’s Goalkeeping Coach.

As I posted earlier in the week, I am not sure of JM’s first XI from the pre-season games, but I expect him to go with something along these lines in a 4,3,3 formation for the opening game:

Gerken

Vincent-Young Eastman Prosser Bramall

Lapslie Pell Stevenson Gambin

Brown Norris Nouble

Subs:

Ross Sowunmi James Hasanally Fernandes Cowan-Hall Chilvers

If Bramall has not signed then expect James to play left back.

The Referee at the JobServe community stadium will be Darren Drysdale and the weather is set to be 21 degrees Celsius with some cloud, but little chance of rain.

The pitch has been reseeded during the summer and should be immaculate.

Enjoy the game.

Up the U’s

Photo: Action Images

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