Jon Waldron: My views on the U's (From Essex County Standard)

Jon Waldron: My views on the U's

12:08pm Tuesday 18th September 2012 in Sport By Jonathan Waldron

Fan power - U's supporters can make a real difference by getting behind their struggling team tonight. Picture: STEVE BRADING (CO68718-80)

Some disgruntled supporters are threatening to boycott Colchester United ’s home game with Crawley Town tonight.

They are angry at their side’s poor start to the season, with a number calling for their fellow U’s followers to vote with their feet.

According to internet messageboards, a section of fans want manager John Ward to be removed from his position.

Their frustration is understandable; no fan likes to see his or her side propping up the rest of the teams in the division, no matter how early the season is.

Indeed, for many seeing their side slump to defeat on home soil against Doncaster Rovers last weekend was too much to bear.

For others, apathy rules.

But surely being a football supporter is about supporting; about backing your side through thick and thin.

After all, football is nothing if is not a game of ups and downs, a sport full of contrasting emotions.

That is why we love it – and sometimes hate it – so.

For some, the decision on whether or not to watch football in these days of financial insecurity has been taken out of their hands.

Some are being priced out, which is a huge shame.

But making a conscious decision not to attend a match as a way of protest is a different matter.

And now is the time that Colchester’s players need their loyal supporters behind them more than ever.

With the U’s average home crowds among the lowest in the division, they need as many fans getting behind them as they can get – particularly when the chips are down.

It is always apparent to me when I’m fortunate enough to interview the U’s players just how much the fans’ support matters to them and what a difference it can make.

These are challenging times for Colchester’s coaching staff and players.

And as much as some supporters may be eager for a change of management, there’s no better feeling than cheering your favourite team on to a win from the stands.

Of course, there’s no guarantee that will happen tonight, or any other day for that matter.

But there’s more of a chance of it happening when United live up to their name - both on and off the field.