Colchester United manager Danny Cowley addressed some of the concerns surrounding his squad following their 2-2 friendly draw with Peterborough United.
Cowley claims it’s not easy for The U’s due to the size of the squad he has to pick from.
Limited Options For United Boss
Going into the Peterborough friendly, Cowley was without Ellis Iandolo, Jack Payne, and new signing Dom Gape, as well as last season’s top scorer, Lyle Taylor, who has yet to agree a new deal with the club.
The manager spoke to cu-fc.com following the draw:
“It’s not easy for us at the moment, because we’re a small squad.”
“We’re obviously light in the full-back areas and probably at centre-half as well.”
The former Portsmouth boss was frustrated with his side’s inability to win the match against Posh, and feels the absence of key players is the reason The U’s couldn’t find their rhythm.
“And of course, we haven’t quite got a link player at the moment, in the ten because Jack Payne’s not available to us.”
“We’re still hopeful that we might be able to bring Lyle back to the club.”
“These players are so important to us and the way that we want to play, particularly when we have pace and athleticism around them.”
“It hasn’t been easy, because we just haven’t quite got that profile of player.”
With the League Two season now less than a week away, Cowley is desperate to ease the burden on his players by adding to the numbers he has at his disposal.
“This is the challenge and we’re trying to find the solutions.”
The U’s kick off their campaign on Saturday at home to Tranmere Rovers and will definitely be without Ellis Iandolo, who is scheduled to be missing for up to three months, and are awaiting updates on the fitness of Jack Payne and Dom Gape.
Writer’s View
Danny Cowley will be desperate to avoid a repeat of last season’s disastrous start, which left The U’s playing catch-up. He needs to add players to his squad to provide competition for places and cover for the inevitable injuries and suspensions picked up throughout the demanding League Two campaign.
