ROBBIE Cowling believes Colchester United supporters can play their part in helping the club achieve success, this season.

The U’s are hoping for improved fortunes in League Two in the 2024-25 campaign, after four successive seasons of struggle.

Danny Cowley has so far brought nine new players into his squad, as he looks to form a side capable of challenging at the right end of the table.

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And speaking at a question and answer session at the club’s Open Day at the weekend, U’s chairman Mr Cowling stressed the importance of fans in helping the players perform well.

Mr Cowling said: “One of the things about the Q&A is not just for you to ask questions, it’s also so that we can get messages across to you, the fans.

“I don’t care how much mentoring anybody does or how much Danny prepares the players, if the fans react negatively to the players in certain circumstances, they have more effect than anything.

“Danny can build a player up all week but if the fans are very negative, they feel it more than any work they do.

(Image: NEWSQUEST)

“You play the biggest part – you don’t realise sometimes how big a part you have to play.

“I would just ask for you all to do that bit of work and help the players mentally, because nobody performs well when they’re being booed but they can raise their game when they’re being encouraged.

“You’ve done brilliant this year and a good example would be the Swindon away game, Danny’s first game.

“We were 2-0 down but the fans just kept going and going and eventually, we got something out of that game.

“You play the biggest part in mentally preparing the players.”

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Mr Cowling says he is feeling optimistic ahead of the new League Two season.

Colchester begin their campaign with a trip to play AFC Wimbledon, on August 10.

Mr Cowling added: “If you can’t be optimistic at the start of a season, then when can you be?

“There’s no reason why we can’t start the season well.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

“We all want the club to be successful.

“I know the last couple of seasons have been harsh.

“Last season was a bit of a mystery for me because I thought we had a good squad, there was a decent budget and I thought we could do better than we did.

“I’m very optimistic for the season.

“I’m never one to get too carried away or too down when things are tough.

“I just try to do my best every day and give people like Danny the tools to be able to do what they do.”