Anthony Scully is edging closer to full fitness, and Colchester United are hopeful the on-loan Portsmouth forward can rediscover his best form as they look to secure him on a permanent deal this summer.
Scully’s Injury Struggles and Road to Recovery
The 25-year-old has endured an injury-hit campaign, making just one League Two start across two loan spells with the U’s. However, there is renewed optimism as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury, with head coach Danny Cowley confirming that the forward is back on the grass and making good progress.
Scully last featured in November, during Colchester’s FA Cup defeat at Swindon Town. His struggles have been linked to the metalwork installed in his ankle, which restricted his mobility and caused further issues in his knee and hip.
“He’s had a frustrating time with injuries for sure, but we think that we’ve got to the bottom of it. He had a nasty ankle break, but the metal plate has now been taken out, and the ankle is now moving so much better,” said Cowley.
Colchester’s Long-Term Plan for Scully
With Scully’s contract at Portsmouth expiring in the summer, Colchester see this as an opportunity to keep hold of the former Lincoln City and Wigan Athletic attacker. Cowley, who brought Scully back to the club for a second loan spell in January, described the move as a “no brainer.”
“It’s quite a unique situation with Anthony. He’s obviously a boy that we know well. He had an incredible time at Lincoln where the front three was him, Brennan Johnson, and Morgan Rogers. Anthony is a top, top player, and that form at Lincoln earned him the moves to Wigan and then Portsmouth,” Cowley explained.
While Colchester are contributing to Scully’s wages only when he is fit to play, Cowley believes that if the forward can regain full fitness, the club will be in a strong position to secure him permanently.
“We’re thankful to Portsmouth – the way the deal is structured means that we only start paying a contribution when he’s back playing. If we can get him going, when he’s out of contract in the summer, we’ll be in a really strong position to hopefully keep him with us. It’s structured in a sensible way, so we’re thankful to Portsmouth for that.”
Writer’s View
Scully’s return could be a game-changer for Colchester, as his pedigree at this level is clear. His previous success at Lincoln showed his ability to be a key attacking force, and if he can get back to full fitness, he has the potential to be a major asset for the U’s. With his contract at Portsmouth running down, Colchester are in prime position to secure a player with proven quality.
