Pre-season is always a strange, but interesting time of year for any football fan.

This time round as a Colchester fan it has been different for want of a better word.

We have not had the chance to see the lads in action except for the game against Maldon.

Most of the games have been behind closed doors, but as annoying as it is, if that means the squad get to play against a higher level of opposition it can only stand us in good stead for the first game that matters.

Plus it does add an element of excitement to get back to watch live football, not as a fitness and work on type game, but rather back when it matters most.

While there are positives for the behind closed doors, there is no escaping the frustrations of the last weekend.

Peterborough were due to visit North Essex, but our pitch was not ready so Posh kindly moved it to their training ground.

By all accounts we played well and look very dangerous on the front foot and pressed well.

But the underlining fact was that most of the noise and comments were aimed at the pitch situation rather than what the team was doing.

Now I maybe in the minority here, but I think it was a good decision to move the game.

Yes the timing and communication could have been better and there is still the expectation that the Cambridge game will also get moved.

But personally I would rather have a bit of disruption now, when it is possible to alter things and not throw our preparations off, than play on a surface that is not ready and end up wreaking it before we even kick a ball in anger.

Damage now could result in postponed games which then leads to a busy schedule at some point in the season and the knock on effect on player fatigue and injury.

Of course, this is all said in the belief that we will have a playable pitch ready for the EFL Cup game against Reading set to be played on the evening of August 13.

I am no expert and have very little understanding of what is required and how best to get a surface ready to be played on, but even I know that once the season starts we need a pitch that is up to standard and able to take the wear and tear that goes with it.

Would we be as worried about it all if we hadn’t had the issues, we had last year?

I cannot say for sure, but do not think as much would have been made of it, if the memories of last season when it felt like a light shower meant game off.

I want to watch the game against Cambridge and see the new-look U’s side but would rather another missed opportunity if it means we are ‘pitch perfect’ for when it really matters.

Everything else is falling into place, let’s all keep our fingers crossed we have a place to actually put it into practice.

Up the U’s!