Colchester United manager Danny Cowley has claimed the players and staff at the club have had to do some ‘soul searching’ ahead of tonight’s clash with Chesterfield, according to The Gazette.
The U’s head into the game at the SMH Group Stadium in 20th position in League Two, once again looking over their shoulders at the drop zone.
Disappointing Run
Cowley’s side have yet to ignite this season, sitting on 11 points from their 11 matches and winning just twice. It is four games without a win for United since they dispatched Tranmere Rovers 3-0 at the Jobserve Community Stadium in late September.
Soul Searching For Players And Staff
Following the poor performance and result against Cheltenham Town on Saturday, Cowley has admitted both players and staff have had to go away and look at themselves.
He said, “We all have to do a little bit of soul-searching.”
“You have a choice – you look in the mirror or you look out of the window.”
“I’ve just encouraged them to look at themselves because we live in the world where everybody is quick to pass the blame and the criticism but the person you can influence the quickest and the easiest is yourself.”
“It’s not just the players, it’s everybody – it’s the staff, all of us, we’re a part of it and we’ve let this club down.”
Looking For A Big Response
Tonight’s opponents have enjoyed their return to the Football League, following last season’s National League title win. The Spireites currently occupy 8th place and are just one point outside the playoffs.
U’s boss Cowley believes the division is open and is working hard to find consistency in his side’s performances.
“It’s a great league and the great thing about League Two this year is that everybody can beat everybody on any given day and that’s why we’re working really hard to try to find a good level of consistency.”
He is determined to use Saturday’s result as fuel to respond.
“We have to carry that pain and be big enough to shoulder it and come back with a response.”
Writer’s View
More was expected of Colchester this season with the Cowley brothers having a pre-season and a chance to bring in their own players.
It hasn’t worked yet but once the club find that consistency, the momentum will build and they will head up the league.
