Born and Bred: Colchester United

Colchester winger Brennan Dickenson has said that the U's can be considered 'outside favourites' for promotion this season.

Dickenson scored Colchester's only goal in the opening day draw to MK Dons and has remained at the club despite interest from Bradford City. The 24 year old joined in the Summer of last season, joining on a free transfer from League One side Gillingham, making 32 appearances. He has featured in all eight of United's games so far this season, making a strong start to the season.

Sitting down with Dickenson, he told us, "When I joined Colchester, the aim was to try and get promotion and to do that with the club was a fantastic feeling for me knowing that I can try and show my worth in League One again. Leaving Gillingham, despite playing most games was bitterly disappointing for me as I felt like I was really progressing."

"However I took it on the chin and moved on and now I haven't looked back," He told us. "The whole ethos of this club is fantastic and I am proud to play a part in it. We have started very strongly and it's put the rest of the division on notice as previously, I've been told by Chris (Porter), that last time we weren't seen as a threat, this time I feel like we have to be considered strong outside favourites to go up, in my opinion."

Dickenson used Burton Albion as an example continuing, "It's been done before, teams like Burton Albion have undergone back-to-back promotions and although they have suffered relegation back down, it proves it is possible and we will definitely use them as impression I think. The gaffer has really transformed this side and all the praise has to be put on him, he's really boosted the confidence of myself and the other lads in the dressing room."

United currently sit in 11th in League One, just two points adrift of the playoffs and have also progressed to the Capital One Cup third round where they will travel to the King Power Stadium to take on former Premier League champions Leicester City. They will next face lowly Fleetwood Town however, who are yet to record a single point thus far, five games into the season. Midfielder Thomas Lapsile will miss out due to suspension.

I have a feeling that he mihgt just be right about that outside bet for promotion and I think youve got what it takes to go and do it. Also is good that you're managing to keep hold of your players having come up, especially with established sides like bradford being interested!

Certainly the dark horses for promotion, but I have a sneaky feeling that Paddy's Potatoes can prove to be the blight of all other League One competition!

Griffin- I do think the squad is good enough, although on paper certain areas could be classed as 'weaker' than others, I reckon we'll have enough about us to get over the line. Also, keeping hold of Dickenson is huge and doing so by shaking off a club such as Bradford's stature, an ex Premier League club once upon a time can only speak positive things.

Justice- Hmm... we'll see.

COLCHESTER UNITED 4 (Nketiah 2, 85, 90+1, Fewster 6) FLEETWOOD TOWN 1 (Cole 63)

The U's have recorded their third League One victory this season, beating bottom of the table Fleetwood Town 4-1.

Colchester found themselves just a couple of points outside the playoffs at the start of the day. However at this early stage, the win has boosted them upto 7th, level on points with the side that occupies the last spot, Bolton Wanderers.

The visitors to The Weston Homes Community Stadium were Fleetwood Town, bottom of the division and yet to record a single point after losses to Charlton, Gillingham, Blackburn, Burton and MK Dons respectively. Scoring just one in their first five, Fleetwood continued to show their inability to score during the game, although did record their second goal of the campaign after a Devante Cole goal in the 63rd minute.

United fielded the same line-up from the 2-2 draw against Southend United, the only change was the suspended Thomas Lapsile making way for Craig Slater, who would be making his first appearance this season. The Scottish midfielder made 24 appearances for the club last season but was sidelined with a torn hamstring for three months.

The game got off to a quick start, just two minutes into the game, Eddie Nketiah would continue his good run of goalscoring form as his half volley found the top right hand corner following a headed clearance to his feet after a Drey Wright cross. The goal would mark his tenth of the season, in just his seventh game of the season.

Four minutes later Bradley Fewster would double the lead as Sean Murray layed the ball off for the young 'Boro loanee to finish. The goal prompted a further barrage of attacks from the two goalscorers however they were kept out by goalkeeper Alex Cairns. The Fleetwood keeper joined last season from Rotherham and helped the club finish safely above the relegation zone in 17th, however the way things seemed to be headed, a repeat looked unlikely.

United winger Brennan Dickenson spoke in midweek about how he feels that the club could very well be 'Outside favourites for promotion' and he came close once again to making it three, his strike from outside the area clipped the crossbar on the way over – as Fleetwood were desperately trying to keep the score down rather than score at this point.

A surprise Devante Cole goal did give Fleetwood some hope, although the 'freak' goal, that caught everyone by surprise considering how the game was going, would count for nothing. Late goals from Nketiah to complete the scoring and his hat-trick would ensure that Colchester would run out comprehensive winners this afternoon and would be in good spirits for the Coventry City game next weekend.

Nketiah went home with the match ball and the Man Of The Match award – whilst hearing a chorus of Elvis' song 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered' chanted in his direction, which is steadily becoming a theme this season and don't we all just hope we'll be hearing more of it this season.

Colchester United: Dean Brill, Lawrie Wilson, Paul Digby, Tom Eastman (Luke Prosser 64,) Sean Kavanagh, Sean Murray, Craig Slater, Brennan Dickenson, Drey Wright, Eddie Nketiah, Bradley Fewster.

Substitutions not used: Sam Walker, Semi Ajayi, Tommy O'Sullivan, Chris Porter, Donal McDermott, Sammie Szmodics.

Fleetwood Town: Alex Cairns, Marcus Schwabl, Cian Bolger, Nathan Pond, Max Lowe, Jimmy Ryan, George Glendon (Martyn Woolford 55,) Devante Cole, Bobby Grant (Ashley Hunter 65,) Aldair Neto (Ricardo Kip 55.)

Substitutions not used: Chris Neal, Ashley Eastham, Victor Nirennold, Michael Duckworth.

Referee: M.Russell

Attendance: 5,888

You will be promoted this season, I have a feeling about it.

Eddie's the hero of the day! Keep banging in them goals, the League One title is yours to lose now!

Absolutely thumped them! Let's hope Eddie stays in the same vein of form cos you'll have no problems in getting promoted!

MJK- I bloody hope so!

Justice- He's a bet that's paid off so far, let's hope it continues.

Griffin- We did, very convincingly as well which is nice to see. Like I said, Eddie has been brilliant so we have to hope he continues this good form!

Following the 4-1 win against Fleetwood on Saturday, we had a sitdown interview with hat-trick hero Eddie Nketiah.

...How was Saturday's win for you?
It was brilliant for the team and also myself. I've had the enjoyment of scoring a hat-trick before this season, but to do so again is something very special. I think we have asserted ourselves as a threat and that we can score goals this season, hopefully I can continue to deliver on that front. But overall it was a very good result and one that I think we'll look back on very fondly at the end of the season, as we played Fleetwood off the pitch, personally.

...How have you settled in during your time at the club so far?
Yeah, I feel very comfortable with the boys as they are a welcoming bunch of players. I came in to the club very nervous as I had not been out on loan in my career before and so I had become very comfortable in my group at Arsenal. There are some real characters in the dressing room and the banter is brilliant, especially from the likes of Sean Murray and Sammie Szmodics, I'd consider them to be close friends, definitely. So yeah, I feel very settled and I'm very much enjoying my time here and will continue to do so.

...Have you any plans to make your move permanent?
I had a feeling this question was going to be asked! Obviously I've only been here for a short time and I am still contracted to Arsenal until 2021 so I will probably look to at least see out my contract and go from there. Up to now I have no plans to make the move permanent but who knows at this point in time, things change and come the end of the season – when I know what my situation is going to be and what the boss at Arsenal plans for me, I can make a decision on my future then I'm sure.

...Have things been different here to that at Arsenal?
In some ways, yes... in others... no. The overall atmosphere is much more different as at Arsenal it's rather tense and there is a sense of strictness, you have to be very professional and you can't really afford to laugh and joke. However here you can laugh and joke whilst still maintaining the balance of training hard during the week. The gaffer is brilliant, he's a good laugh to have and he's certainly somebody you can approach – always has a smile on his face and an overall good guy, same can't be said at Arsenal sometimes, but don't say I told you!

...How did it feel getting your first U21's England call-up and also scoring?
It was an amazing feeling for me. I'm only 18 still and to be capped at U21's level is something I won't take lightly, for me it shows that I am succeeding and progressing as a player everyday. To score was a dream come true, as a kid I remember always wanting to score an international goal, win a World Cup, win the Champions League... this is a step in the right direction I feel.

...What are your targets for the season?
I've always set goals and targets for myself, whether that be on or off the pitch. This year most of them were very much football based, I will say. I wasn't a part of the promotion winning squad last season and it's the first time I have been with a first team squad so I feel like it would be amazing to do the unthinkable and go up once again and be a part of it this time around. We have a lot of hard work to do and I am always looking to better myself, so my biggest target is to ensure I continue to score goals, I would be very happy to bag at least another 10!

...Finally, after beating Aston Villa and Derby, do you think you can go on and beat Leicester?
Definitely, anybody can beat anyone! We'll go into the game with little pressure on our shoulders, all of it will be on Leicester and so we'll look to use that to our advantage. I will probably be speaking for most of the squad, but I relish a challenge and this one will be if we can go on and better last season by winning against former Premier League challenges, it'll be brilliant.

…Thanks for your time, Eddie.
Cheers.

He seems to be a very positive character. Another ten goals from him would certainly boost your chances in any competition, and he is correct about your chances of furthering your cup run. His recent international call up will certainly be a boost for him, and hopefully he can help you defeat Leicester!

Looks like someone who is going to bring you tons of success. Do you think you have what it takes to keep him on your squad either by extending the loan or by a transfer?

Is going to play a huge part in your season and although you are at a crossroads in that if he really excels you may struggle to keep him

Justice- He's been in some fantastic form thus far so if he can continue that our chances will be a lot higher, for sure. It'll be very difficult to get a result from the Leicester game but who knows?

MJK- At this point in time, I'm not sure. I can pretty much guarantee that we won't get him permanently because we are not a rich club at all, barely been giving a budget both seasons. Loan is the best option, so it depends.

Griffin- Definitely, hopefully Arsenal are nice enough to give us the chance to get him back next season if he keeps it up.

I'm sure all are aware of the events that sadly took place on Monday 22nd May 2017 at the Manchester Arena (M.E.N.) during an Ariana Grande concert. 22 lives have been lost during the tragedy, so let us remember their names not the attackers. My thoughts and prayers go to those affected, the friends and families and everyone within the Manchester area.


I am aware this has nothing to do with the story, football or the site in general however it certainly is an issue that cannot be ignored. Thank you.