DANNY Cowley believes there are exciting times ahead for Colchester United and their supporters.

And the U’s head coach says everyone can play their part in helping the club move in the right direction.

Colchester hold their popular Open Day today, with fans looking forward to a brighter future under the Cowleys after four successive seasons of struggle, in League Two.

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Cowley and his players will be taking part in a signing session with supporters and the U’s boss is excited about the campaign ahead.

Cowley said: “Everybody that has Colchester United in their heart has an opportunity to shape the club, moving forward.

“We live in a world where we’re all quick to criticise and see the worst in each other but for us, we want everybody that loves the club just to see the best in the club.

“We’re stronger together, that is for sure, and the support that they have given us since we came in the building…I can’t tell you how many points it gained us last season but I know they were the difference between us getting relegated and staying up.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

“It wasn’t always smooth sailing but they always saw the best in the team and they were able to give the players real energy, particularly in that back end ten games, in 30 days.

“It was a crazy schedule but they drove the energy of the team and we need them, that’s for sure.

“I have a feeling that this will be a different Colchester United that they will see, come August and I think only exciting times for the club and for the supporters.

“When we were at Lincoln, I think we started with 1,300 season-ticket holders.

“Within one season, we went to 7,500 season-ticket holders.

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“By Christmas of our first season at Lincoln City, a ticket there was the hottest ticket in town and we aim to do the same at Colchester United.

“I remember games like Wrexham and even the last game of the season against Crewe when the JobServe Community Stadium is packed out, it’s a good place to play your football, that’s for sure.”

The Colchester United Open Day takes place today between 11am and 4pm, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

U's fans will get the chance to meet Danny and Nicky Cowley and the players for autographs, with the official team picture being taken.

The popular question and answer session with chairman Robbie Cowling will be taking place in a different location this year, outside the tunnel area in the West Stand.