Classic Colchester United home kits through the years

The U's home shirts are expected to sport the famous white and blue stripes once again, as they bid for a successful season in League Two.

Last season, Colchester made a welcome return to wearing their famous blue and white striped home kit for the first time since the 2018/19 season.

The Gazette takes a look at some of the club's home strips, through recent years.

1 Colchester United's home kit in the early 2000s will perhaps by synonymous with Lomana Lua Lua's memorable time at the club.

With a round collar and thin blue stripes on white sleeves, it was made by Strike Force and sponsored by JobServe, the first chapter of Robbie Cowling's backing for the club.

2 Scott Vernon battles with Ipswich Town's Alex Bruce during Colchester United's win over Ipswich Town at Layer Road in April, 2008.

This was the kit the U's wore in their second Championship season, one that sadly resulted in them being relegated back to League One.

Made by Diadora, the U's club crest appeared in the centre and top of the shirt, with Haart the main sponsors.

3 Colchester United's players celebrate scoring a goal during John McGreal's first season in charge, the 2016-17 campaign.

It was the U's first season back in League Two, following their relegation the previous season.

With a striped front and collar, this kit was made by Puma and was one of the many Colchester home kits sponsored by Weston Homes.

4 Colchester fans will no doubt have very happy memories of this particular home strip.

This was the kit they wore when they won promotion to the Championship under Phil Parkinson, in the 2005-06 campaign.

Chris Iwelumo celebrates the U's scoring yet another a goal in the kit, which was made by Admiral and sponsored by Easy Skip.

5 Colchester's shirt for their iconic 1991-1992 season attracted sponsorship from The Sun and will be forever remembered for Roy McDonough leading his side to a glorious non-league double.

The kit was made by Ribero and sported thick blue and white stripes, with white sleeves.

6 The 2008-09 season was the first time that Colchester linked up with Puma to manufacture their kit.

With a v-neck design and sponsorship from Weston Homes, it was a plain but effective strip probably best remembered for the U's remarkable 7-1 victory at Norwich City, on the opening day of the campaign.

7 In the 2004-05 season under Phil Parkinson, Colchester's kit was made by Admiral and sponsored by ICS Triplex.

The blue stripes on the U's home shirt were a slightly darker shade than usual, as worn by silky playmaker Kevin Watson during a game that season at Layer Road.

8 This 2019-20 offering was a somewhat controversial choice, with Colchester United choosing to go away from their traditional blue and white striped home shirt for a blue shirt with a white collar, not too dissimilar to the strip worn in their memorable FA Cup triumph over Leeds United, in 1971.

The kit was made by Macron, with Texo Scaffolding the main sponsor.

9 Star man Sammie Szmodics is all smiles at the club's annual Open Day as he models the U's rather slick 2018-19 home shirt, sponsored by JobServe and made by Macron.

Colchester United finished 13th in League Two in that campaign, under John McGreal.

10 Striker Jabo Ibehre chests the ball for Colchester United in a game during the 2012-13 season, under Joe Dunne.

This U's home shirt, made by Puma and sponsored by JobServe, sported a gold streak at the top of its design.

What's your favourite Colchester United kit, from recent times? Let us know in the comments section.