Anthony Scully is looking forward to a fresh start and the opportunity to unite with manager Danny Cowley after completing a last-minute loan move to Colchester United.
The former Lincoln City winger, who endured a difficult and injury-ridden spell at Portsmouth, expressed his excitement about working with Cowley and regaining form in League Two. The pair didn’t work together at Lincoln, but Scully revealed that the Imps were looking at him during Cowley’s time at the club.
Scully’s move to Colchester was finalized just 25 minutes after the 11pm transfer deadline, capping off a whirlwind day of negotiations. The 25-year-old had been searching for a way out of Portsmouth, where he had struggled with injuries since joining from Wigan last year. Now, under the guidance of former Danny Cowley, Scully is eager to rediscover his best form.
“It was a late one,” Scully told Colchester’s YouTube channel, reflecting on his transfer deadline experience. “It was around about 10 o’clock and I was speaking to Dimitri [Halajko], who was here. A couple of moves which were supposed to happen didn’t materialise, and I really wanted to get out and play football. So I spoke with Dimitri, and he spoke with the management team here. Within half an hour, it was all pretty much done.”
Scully’s time at Portsmouth has been marred by injuries, limiting his ability to make a significant impact. A serious knee injury early in his time at Fratton Park and an ankle issue toward the end of last season meant Scully made just nine appearances for the club. When he first signed, there were high hopes for the former West Ham academy product, who had impressed during his time at Lincoln City.
Scully is especially excited about working with Danny Cowley, who previously managed Lincoln City and expressed interest in him before Scully joined the Imps. “It was a great feeling to know you’re going to a club where the manager really likes you,” Scully added. “I ended up going to Lincoln a few years ago and missed out on the manager, but he told me there was potential for them to look at me even when he was manager. It’s good to be at a club where the manager likes you, and I’m really pleased to be here.”
As for Scully, his focus is clear: to get back on the pitch, stay fit, and help Colchester climb the League Two table. “I know quite a lot of the boys here as well, and speaking to them, they were all really positive about the club,” Scully said. “I’m delighted to be here, and I can’t wait to get back playing.”
With his injury woes behind him and a manager who believes in him, Scully hopes this move marks the start of a brighter chapter in his football career.
Who Is Anthony Scully?
Anthony Scully has carved out a reputation as a hard-working and versatile winger throguhout his career, having come through the youth ranks at West Ham United. Scully began his footballing journey in the West Ham academy, where he developed his skills and represented the club at various youth levels. Despite his promise, first-team opportunities were limited at the Premier League side, prompting him to seek regular senior football elsewhere.
In February 2020, Scully moved to Lincoln City, where he enjoyed a breakthrough spell in the Football League. The winger quickly established himself as a key player for the Imps, scoring goals and providing assists across multiple seasons. His versatility allowed him to play in various attacking roles, making him a valuable asset for Lincoln. During his time at the club, Scully made 119 appearances, scoring 35 goals, and became a fan favourite for his work rate and ability to deliver in crucial moments.
Scully’s impressive performances at Lincoln earned him a transfer to Wigan Athletic in 2022. However, after a short stay at the Latics, he moved to Portsmouth, where injuries hampered his progress. A serious knee injury followed by an ankle issue limited him to just nine appearances for Pompey, marking a difficult chapter in his career.
Writer’s View
Scully’s move to League Two could allow him to rebuild his career and regain the form that made him a key player at Lincoln. The versatile winger scored 35 goals in 119 appearances for Lincoln, pivotal in their promotion push and EFL Trophy run during his time at the club. His union with Cowley, who is highly regarded for his ability to get the best out of players, could be the catalyst Scully needs to reignite his career.
Cowley, who enjoyed success at Portsmouth before his departure, will undoubtedly be keen to help Scully reach his potential once again. Known for his tactical nous and man-management skills, Cowley could be the perfect manager to guide Scully through this next chapter.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
