Tony Humes is adamant he will not ditch his side’s playing style in his attempts to steer Colchester United away from relegation danger.

The U’s have stuck to a 4-3-3 formation so far this season, in keeping with the philosophy running throughout the club at all ages.

Some Colchester supporters have called for the system to be altered, in the wake of the club’s precarious position near the foot of the League One table.

But boss Humes insists he will not be swayed by recent results - and that the U’s must stick to their playing principles no matter what.

Humes said: “The philosophy is there and we have to play that way throughout the club.

“If we’re going to take the club forward long-term, we have to be patient with that and we have to believe that this is what we are going to do.

“We’re developing players throughout the Academy and the under-21s and into the first-team thinking there is a certain way to play.

“To go against it just because of a few poor performances or results would go against all our values and beliefs at the club.

“We have to stick with it and believe in what we are doing.

“If that’s the way that the club is going to go in the next few years, then we have to believe that that’s going to be successful for us.”

Humes believes his Colchester players should head to Peterborough United this weekend in good heart, despite their FA Cup defeat at Cardiff City.

The U’s have won only one of their last nine league matches but Humes is content with the way his side have performed, if not the results.

“We’re happy with how we’re trying to play the game,” said the Colchester manager.

“Results are obviously very important but the players are very comfortable with the style of play we’re trying to get them to play.

“We’re trying to play a passing game and it’s a matter of persevering with it., “It’s a case of getting them to believe that this is how we’re going to play and seeing the goal-scoring opportunities are being created.”

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