Ward will not desert Colchester United

9:00am Friday 21st September 2012 in Sport By Jonathan Waldron

Staying put - Colchester United manager John Ward. Picture: STEVE ARGENT (CO68340-48) Staying put - Colchester United manager John Ward. Picture: STEVE ARGENT (CO68340-48)

Defiant Colchester United boss John Ward has stressed that he will not walk away from his struggling side.

Ward will take charge of his 100th league game as U’s manager tomorrow when they travel to play Scunthorpe United.

Colchester have made their worst start to a league season in more than 60 years, after failing to win any of their first seven matches in League One.

Some fans have called for Ward to be replaced in the hot seat, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium .

However, he is determined to turn around his team’s flagging fortunes - starting with their trip to Glanford Park this weekend.

Ward said: “There are some fans who are (critical) and they’re bound to be.

“You can’t expect people to come and applaud a team when they’re not playing so well or winning.

“But you don’t abandon a relative of yours or someone you like if he or she is having a difficult time.

“You try and bring them through and I think football is like that for a lot of people.

“Twenty-odd years ago, this club wasn’t even in the league.

“But people stayed with it then and supported it and got it back into its present shape, which is good in a lot of ways.

“They wouldn’t expect me to desert the team and I won’t.

“The fans have the choice of whether or not they come and to be fair, the ones that have come have chosen to come and support the team, which is great.

“When the team does turn it around, those people will know that they stayed with the team all the way through it.

“They will feel a sense of pleasure and satisfaction that they’ve done that, when times were really tough.”

See Friday's Gazette for more on this story and a full preview of Colchester United's game at Scunthorpe United tomorrow.

Comments(30)

We're not singing anymore!!! says...
10:13am Fri 21 Sep 12

Although I don't think Ward is the right manager for Colchester and i'm one of the people calling for him to go. I do have to respect that he's not going to just walk away. Who in their right mind would ? If he get's sacked then he'll get a settlement, if he walks he gets nothing.

I disagre about using this comment though “But you don’t abandon a relative of yours or someone you like if he or she is having a difficult time".

A sick relative wouldn't charge you to watch them go through a tough time or wouldn't charge the prices Colchester United are.

Not all the fans who attend the games are doing it through choice, some have season tickets who don't really have the option of not going as they've already parted with their money. They might back the team but they're certainly not all backing the manager.

Up the U's

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Field Marshal Sprocket says...
10:20am Fri 21 Sep 12

It sounds as if Mr Ward is trying some emotional blackmail with the deserting your relatives comment.

Disgusting.

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Mr Honest says...
10:33am Fri 21 Sep 12

John Ward is sinking to new depths now. What has managing a Football club very badly got to do with deserting relatives? Idiot. Cant wait for teatime tomorrow when we hear the latest excuse after a Leon Clarke inspired Scunthorpe beats us. Because you arent leaving John, the fans are leaving.

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totallyfootball says...
10:35am Fri 21 Sep 12

Of course he won't, he will never get another job on the back of his record!

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DedhamU says...
10:49am Fri 21 Sep 12

I agree with the previous poster on the point that no one in their right mind would walk away from a job without either getting a pay off or having another job to go to. I think it wont be too long before RC has to put his hand in his pocket to do the former if we are to improve..... its a shame as from what I hear JW is a nice guy.... unfortunately there's a saying about nice guys though....something to do with not winning!

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United Blue says...
10:59am Fri 21 Sep 12

Mr Ward take some advice from the ex Wimbledon manager Terry Brown “that as a manager you have a timespan at a club”. Yes twenty years ago the club wasn’t in the league & with your spell in charge it will put us back twenty years back into non league

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romantic says...
11:39am Fri 21 Sep 12

I´d say he´s got 3 or 4 games maximum to turn things around. The dreaded vote of confidence has already come, and surely the board cannot fail to be alarmed by the dwindling crowds.

Nobody likes to see managers sacked, but it is the nature of football. For the 100 games Ward has been in charge, we have sat roughly mid-table, and if we were there now, it would be better. It is early days, but if we´re in the relegation zone in 3 games time, the point surely has to be reached where change is needed.

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Barside1 says...
12:02pm Fri 21 Sep 12

I think John Ward will leave by mutual consent any day now and there will be some form of payout.

This is not just about getting a few results and climbing away from the relegation zone - it's about public apathy in the way the club has gone ( is going ).

The Gazette have blitzed this subject with a high number of recent articles and I think they know John Ward will leave the club one way or another very soon.

There are two potential young managers following the situation very closely - both with links to the club.

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United Blue says...
12:02pm Fri 21 Sep 12

Mr Ward your statistics

G W L D Win %
110 33 38 39 30.00
Your worse record as a manager

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Originally from ... says...
12:46pm Fri 21 Sep 12

I really think he has just 2 games left, if we don't get a minimum 4 points from the next 2 games I am sure that will be it. That must be on after all they are not doing much better than us ..... hmmm wish I hadn't said that!!!!!

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Ozzie says...
12:51pm Fri 21 Sep 12

For the good of the club, he has to go and the sooner the better! I hope he walks.. would save poor Mr Cowling and our cash-strapped club further wasted cash outflows. Do the decent thing, Mr Ward - RESIGN! If he was in an 'ordinary job', he would possibly not receive a payout for non-performance. It is disgusting that he lowers himself to compare the situation with a sick relative! How calous. We may get a draw tomorrow, but the majority of the fans on this page seem resigned to losing yet again. And, let us be realistic, where is the impetus and motivation going to come from? Not Mr Lacklustre Ward, that is for sure! Up the U's!!

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Ozzie says...
12:51pm Fri 21 Sep 12

For the good of the club, he has to go and the sooner the better! I hope he walks.. would save poor Mr Cowling and our cash-strapped club further wasted cash outflows. Do the decent thing, Mr Ward - RESIGN! If he was in an 'ordinary job', he would possibly not receive a payout for non-performance. It is disgusting that he lowers himself to compare the situation with a sick relative! How calous. We may get a draw tomorrow, but the majority of the fans on this page seem resigned to losing yet again. And, let us be realistic, where is the impetus and motivation going to come from? Not Mr Lacklustre Ward, that is for sure! Up the U's!!

Report this post »

Ozzie says...
12:51pm Fri 21 Sep 12

For the good of the club, he has to go and the sooner the better! I hope he walks.. would save poor Mr Cowling and our cash-strapped club further wasted cash outflows. Do the decent thing, Mr Ward - RESIGN! If he was in an 'ordinary job', he would possibly not receive a payout for non-performance. It is disgusting that he lowers himself to compare the situation with a sick relative! How calous. We may get a draw tomorrow, but the majority of the fans on this page seem resigned to losing yet again. And, let us be realistic, where is the impetus and motivation going to come from? Not Mr Lacklustre Ward, that is for sure! Up the U's!!

Report this post »

Ozzie says...
12:51pm Fri 21 Sep 12

For the good of the club, he has to go and the sooner the better! I hope he walks.. would save poor Mr Cowling and our cash-strapped club further wasted cash outflows. Do the decent thing, Mr Ward - RESIGN! If he was in an 'ordinary job', he would possibly not receive a payout for non-performance. It is disgusting that he lowers himself to compare the situation with a sick relative! How calous. We may get a draw tomorrow, but the majority of the fans on this page seem resigned to losing yet again. And, let us be realistic, where is the impetus and motivation going to come from? Not Mr Lacklustre Ward, that is for sure! Up the U's!!

Report this post »

Ozzie says...
12:51pm Fri 21 Sep 12

For the good of the club, he has to go and the sooner the better! I hope he walks.. would save poor Mr Cowling and our cash-strapped club further wasted cash outflows. Do the decent thing, Mr Ward - RESIGN! If he was in an 'ordinary job', he would possibly not receive a payout for non-performance. It is disgusting that he lowers himself to compare the situation with a sick relative! How calous. We may get a draw tomorrow, but the majority of the fans on this page seem resigned to losing yet again. And, let us be realistic, where is the impetus and motivation going to come from? Not Mr Lacklustre Ward, that is for sure! Up the U's!!

Report this post »

Ozzie says...
12:51pm Fri 21 Sep 12

For the good of the club, he has to go and the sooner the better! I hope he walks.. would save poor Mr Cowling and our cash-strapped club further wasted cash outflows. Do the decent thing, Mr Ward - RESIGN! If he was in an 'ordinary job', he would possibly not receive a payout for non-performance. It is disgusting that he lowers himself to compare the situation with a sick relative! How calous. We may get a draw tomorrow, but the majority of the fans on this page seem resigned to losing yet again. And, let us be realistic, where is the impetus and motivation going to come from? Not Mr Lacklustre Ward, that is for sure! Up the U's!!

Report this post »

Ozzie says...
12:51pm Fri 21 Sep 12

For the good of the club, he has to go and the sooner the better! I hope he walks.. would save poor Mr Cowling and our cash-strapped club further wasted cash outflows. Do the decent thing, Mr Ward - RESIGN! If he was in an 'ordinary job', he would possibly not receive a payout for non-performance. It is disgusting that he lowers himself to compare the situation with a sick relative! How calous. We may get a draw tomorrow, but the majority of the fans on this page seem resigned to losing yet again. And, let us be realistic, where is the impetus and motivation going to come from? Not Mr Lacklustre Ward, that is for sure! Up the U's!!

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Feisty CBC says...
3:06pm Fri 21 Sep 12

If a relative is having a bad time then sometimes you just have to stand back and let them deal with it. The phrase "cruel to be kind" has never been more appropriate regarding supporters that have chosen to stay away. To question those people over the loyalty and love for the club just goes beyond the pale. How Mr.Ward can hammer another nail in his own coffin which he seems to firmly ensconsed in truly beggars belief.

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smith66 says...
3:09pm Fri 21 Sep 12

'Ward will not desert Colchester United.'

Makes it sound like he's doing us a favour!

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We're not singing anymore!!! says...
3:47pm Fri 21 Sep 12

Feisty CBC wrote:
If a relative is having a bad time then sometimes you just have to stand back and let them deal with it. The phrase "cruel to be kind" has never been more appropriate regarding supporters that have chosen to stay away. To question those people over the loyalty and love for the club just goes beyond the pale. How Mr.Ward can hammer another nail in his own coffin which he seems to firmly ensconsed in truly beggars belief.
Very well said.

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super waluigi says...
6:14pm Fri 21 Sep 12

Well said John Ward. He knows that he must get 4 points from these next two games just to take away the immediate pressures.

I am sure John has had family members not well recently and that may be on his mind when referencing that with his quote.

Fingers crossed for you and Col U John, we need some points.

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angryman!!! says...
6:46pm Fri 21 Sep 12

I think unless we get a minimum of 3points from next 2 games then he's got to go.
To be fair to mr ward I think he's comments aren't ment to be taken to seriously anyone that's spoken to him knows he's a nice guy,however if he doesn't turn it around very soon he's got go, nice or not

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Mr Honest says...
8:53pm Fri 21 Sep 12

Waluigi are you sure you are"nt Ward in disguise? Lol. I had a dream last nite that Cowling sacked Ward (yay) bu tthe ngave the job to Joe Dunne! (noooo).

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crazy comments says...
9:43pm Fri 21 Sep 12

Different subject but nice story today regards Big Roy on East Anglian /Evening star web page. I think Big Roy fully understands the supporters frustration with the current stuation. Personally I think J.W. will be given more time as yet by Robbie Cowling .Hopefully Its going to be our lucky today tommorow with 3 points.

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Boris says...
12:51am Sat 22 Sep 12

Ozzie wrote:
For the good of the club, he has to go and the sooner the better! I hope he walks.. would save poor Mr Cowling and our cash-strapped club further wasted cash outflows. Do the decent thing, Mr Ward - RESIGN! If he was in an 'ordinary job', he would possibly not receive a payout for non-performance. It is disgusting that he lowers himself to compare the situation with a sick relative! How calous. We may get a draw tomorrow, but the majority of the fans on this page seem resigned to losing yet again. And, let us be realistic, where is the impetus and motivation going to come from? Not Mr Lacklustre Ward, that is for sure! Up the U's!!
Ozzie, you cannot be serious. Cowling can afford to honour his contractual obligations, so if he wants Ward to go, he will pay whatever is due.
Actually I quite admire John Ward, for wrongfooting all the moaners, saying he won't walk out on the club. I just wish he would make the best use of the talents he has in the squad.

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angryman!!! says...
9:11am Sat 22 Sep 12

Today's line up with white in and no izzet or Henderson either would be a good start

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angryman!!! says...
2:47pm Sat 22 Sep 12

Izzet, duguid, and rose all starting, they must be impressing in training, can't believe their starting, and why is otoole not even on bench

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shaun_daw says...
5:01pm Sat 22 Sep 12

hi all see another loss time for ward to be sacked bloody clueless and still starts wiv kem and no sears even starting shocking unless ward goes we in dire straights

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wellnow says...
8:32am Sun 23 Sep 12

posted after the scunthorpe debacle.what are your managerial missives now old cove.forsooth run would be an appropriate adjective for your travel i'd say.

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Tony Burns says...
10:47am Sun 23 Sep 12

Me thinks majority of fans would be very happy if Ward and Dunn deserted the U's.

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