COLCHESTER United legend Karl Duguid says the Cowleys’ strong leadership and personality remind him of Phil Parkinson during his successful stint at the club.
New U’s head coach Danny and his assistant Nicky have already made a positive impression at the JobServe Community Stadium following their arrival as the club’s new management team, earlier this month.
The Cowleys have led Colchester to spirited draws in their first two games in charge and have already galvanized the club’s fanbase, with their enthusiasm and positivity.
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Duguid, who made more than 450 appearances for the U’s, was captain of Parkinson’s side that won a historic promotion to the Championship, in the 2005-06 season.
And the former U’s favourite, who was at the Cowleys’ first home game against Bradford City last weekend, says he can see clear similarities between his former boss Parkinson and the club’s new management duo.
Duguid said: “The atmosphere was the biggest change for me - everyone had a positive vibe.
“The whole persona of the fanbase has changed.
“The supporters didn’t really have anything to cling onto but as soon as the Cowleys came in, you could see that change.
“The first thing they said they wanted to do was get the fans behind them, start winning some football matches and get the town back involved.
“It’s very similar to when Parky walked in, not when they named him because the Cowleys are more known than Parky was then but it’s similar in that they want everyone to be involved and everyone to play a part.
“Under Parky, every other day we were doing something.
“The players were out opening pet shops, reading books to kids at schools or going to old people’s homes and having a cup of tea with them - we were out and about in town, promoting the football club.
“It creates that relationship with the fans and that’s one of the big things that they will bring to the whole football club.
“Parky was the captain at Reading and was a leader and that’s what Danny and Nicky are, they're leaders.
“I think it’ll be a big culture shock to the players and the whole club but in a good way, because they’re very hard working and it’s just lifted everybody.”
Danny and Nicky Cowley are currently assessing their squad with the transfer window open, as they bid to lift Colchester away from relegation danger.
Duguid believes there will be changes to the U’s squad, as they look to create a team capable of challenging at the right end of the table.
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“They’ve both got a personality on the side of the pitch and I don’t mean just running up and down and shouting – there’s more of a presence,” added double U’s promotion winner Duguid.
“They’ve given people like (Tom) Hopper and Matt Jay a new lease of life and you can see they want these boys to do well.
“We all know what they did at Lincoln and it would be fantastic if they can do that here.
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s not going to happen overnight.
“He’s going to look at all of the players that he’s got for sure and there will be changes but at the end of the day, it’s down to those players to step up and say ‘I want to be a part of this’.”
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