Colchester United assistant Nicky Cowley watched from stands

Nicky Cowley was absent from the technical area for the U’s games against Bradford City and Arsenal under-21s, preferring to occupy a lofty position high in the stands to watch the hosts in action.

Colchester’s assistant head coach has watched their last two matches from a different vantage point, one that has enabled him to take an alternative tactical view of proceedings.

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“It gives you a different perspective from up in the stands and this is a big advantage really,” said U’s head coach Danny Cowley.

“Nicky can go up there and get that tactical perspective, that kind of helicopter view.

“It allows you to see the game much quicker.

“You probably noticed that I had the earpiece in and also Nicky has the computer up there, so if we ever want to look back at anything you can do that, with the tactical view.

(Image: Richard Blaxall)

“This can be really beneficial for us and it also allows us to clip bits for half-time, so then if we want to show the players any tactical messages, we can do that via the clips.”

Colchester head to Grimsby this weekend unbeaten in their last three matches and aiming to pull away from the League Two relegation zone.

The U’s face a Mariners side who lie seventh in the table but have not won at Blundell Park since September.

“I think we play a good Grimsby team,” added Cowley.

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“I think they’re defying the stats at the moment and getting the important stats on their side, which are results.

“They’re a good team with the ball and they ask a lot of questions of you.

“They can get a lot of rhythm in the 4-3-3 that they play and make the pitch very, very big on you.

“David Artell has done a good job there and we need to be really well organised, against the ball, really determined, really resilient and then try to carry a threat with the ball as well.”