Colchester have had a tough start to their League Two season, having lost key performers from last campaign.
Sammy Szmodics and Frankie Kent were two high-profile departures in the summer, leading to a difficult period of rebuilding. Despite taking an early lead against Cambridge this weekend, the U’s lost 2-1 to leave them stranded on a single point.
There is always positivity to be found in adversity though and the full debut of young Ryan Clampin was one aspect U’s fans can cling to this weekend. he played for 83 minutes of the encounter, arguably turning in a Man of the Match performance.
The 20-year-old left winger played on loan for Malden and Tiptree last season but found himself in the thick of things in the Football League for the first time. He was clearly delighted to play but gutted about the defeat in a post on Twitter.
Despite the U’s going down 2-1, supporters have been quick to pour praise on the youngster. Some have offered advice, others congratulations and in the main, the youngster has replied to everyone.
Remember the name; with the right attitude and a little bit of luck, Ryan Clampin is a player you’ll be hearing more of this season.
Best player on the pitch today👍🏼
— alfie (@alfie_p6) August 17, 2019
Well done Ryan you were the best player on the pitch. Great debut!
— Osprey United (@JackMumford02) August 17, 2019
https://twitter.com/TalkColU/status/1162850724629401602
Class clamps 👊🏼
— Hitter (@JoshuaHitter) August 17, 2019
Quality performance. MOM imo. Well done 👍
— DickofWorm (@Dickofworm) August 17, 2019
Class fella. Probably the only decent thing to take out of today's game.
— Phil Lucky (@philluckee) August 17, 2019
Matey you were terrific. Be very proud. Looking forward to your career. Cheers
— andy totham💙 (@totstips17) August 17, 2019
Looking forward to more games https://t.co/83jhusGk1R leaving gives a opportunity for another to shine it’s called progress .
— Tony Corbey (@TonyCorbey) August 18, 2019
