John Ward is the right man to be leading Colchester United’s push for the Championship.

That is the firm view of the chairman of the Colchester United Supporters’ Association and he says it is also the consensus of opinion of the vast majority of U’s fans who he has spoken to.

A disappointing week for the team saw them fall behind in the race for the League One play-offs, but the Standard’s regular U’s columnist, Jon Burns, has backed Ward to be leading the club.

His views aren’t necessarily mirrored by all supporters at the moment, though.

The team has had some dreadful away form in recent months and a woeful performance led to a 1-0 defeat at struggling Dagenham and Redbridge on Tuesday – their ninth defeat in 12 games on the road.

It is a record that has led some fans to call for the manager’s head, particularly on some internet forums.

See the Essex County Standard this week for more on this story, all the latest news and exclusive views on the U's.