Born and Bred: Colchester United

Game on!! Come on Colchester!!

Griffin- Up the U's!

Colchester United can confirm that Derby County have officially approached first team manager Paddy McLaughlin. The club have allowed Paddy to enter talks with Derby regarding a potential move and will not stand in his way if he does so wish to leave the club in favour for County.

Chairman Robbie Cowling states, "We were in a very similar situation not too long ago when Dundee came knocking for his services. I said it then, he will be sought after because he's been successful, another promotion has come and it'll only up the interest. Football is a business and in business you want the best, I truly do believe that Paddy is one of the best at the moment.

It's club policy to allow the manager to enter talks with another club, regardless if they wish to stay or go. I am confident that he will remain with the club and begin the campaign against Birmingham in a few weeks time as manager. We have shown a lot of faith towards him and he has repaid us with back-to-back promotions, so even if he was to leave I would be very supportive.

Derby are a very reputable side with a lot of history and tradition and I know Paddy would do a fantastic job, but as soon as there is word on the matter, staff and fans will be informed immediately but right now, he is staying with us for the foreseeable future and that won't change for a long time I feel."

He better stay!

Cockchester will continue to rise!

De Magere- We'll soon see!

Justice- Well that's a unique new club name

Colchester United manager Paddy McLaughlin has turned down an offer from Derby County to become the clubs first team manager.

Derby County approached the Irishman earlier this week in an attempt to fill the vacant managerial role at Pride Park after Steve McClaren left the club at the end of the season. The former England manager claimed 'he wasn't the right man anymore' after stepping down from the role, after Derby finished 7th last season, narrowly missing out on the playoffs on the final day.

Talks began on Wednesday and 'ended quickly, similarly to talks with Dundee,' claims McLaughlin who addressed the situation in a statement. The 22 year old has been the subject of a lot of interest from clubs recently, having been offered a role with Cork in Ireland also within the past few months.

In a statement released by McLaughlin this morning, it reads, 'I have decided to turn down the opportunity to manage Derby County. Despite the clubs history and reputation within English football, I want to continue writing history with Colchester United Football Club. The club now have a place in my heart and forever will do for the things we have achieved together, players, staff and fans.

I have enjoyed two highly successful seasons with a lot of ups, I am sure they'll be a few downs on the way to the top but that is where we want to be, on top. Our rise to the Premier League shall continue, I have no plans to leave this club until our dreams have been achieved and realised.

There seems to be a lack of loyalty within football these days, especially within this country. Money seems to be the only thing some people care about, the flash cars and the posh houses that can be bought with it. But for me, I just want success with a club that have offered me so much. It was a real gamble that Colchester took bringing me in, but one I was thankful for.

With the things we have achieved I feel like I have given back to the club. When I came in, we were on a large downwards spiral and looked set for a disappointing year in League Two, Championship football seemed a long shot. But that's where we are and it's taken just two years. The players that come into the club play for the shirt, for the fans... not the money. That is a mentality I have put into all that have worked for me and one I will continue to use.

Everyday we are improving and that is a huge plus. It shows we have the desire that was lacking before my arrival. History is being written and I will ensure that it will continue to be written. This season is all about survival and we know a lot about it, we have taken on the likes of Manchester City and come out victorious, we will not go down without a fight and we're ready to succeed in the Championship.

I will repeat, I will not leave this football club until we have won everything there is to win in modern football. Clubs can continue to throw their money at me, but I will not be tempted. Colchester United will one day reach the top and I'll be there with them, this club is for the fans and it forever will be."

Would have been a step sideways imo as Colchester seem to be on the rise, rather than stagnating like Derby

Would very much have been a sideways step, as Mr. Griffin pointed out. Rather be a U than a Ram right now!

Happy you are staying especially as you have new kits coming

Griffin- A good club but they've been in the Championship for a while now, I would have to agree!

Justice- Who wouldn't want to be a U?

MJK- Thanks for them mate!

We are happy to announce the Colchester United home, away and third shirts for the 2018/19 campaign.

We had stuck with the traditional blue and white theme for the home shirts with a slight twist. The away kit is something completely fresh and different, fitting to the 'new era' here at the club, as Nike have designed us a simplistic but stylish purple shirt. The third shirt is very similar to the away kit we won the League 1 Playoff Final in and we wanted to keep a piece of our success with us this season, with a black shirt.

We are very pleased with the outcome of these shirts and they will be available to purchase in the club shop next week, pricing ranging from £25 to £35 but with a large range of sizes and fits to fit all our supporters. no matter how small or tall.

The club have been sponsored by travel agents Thomas Cook for the upcoming season and we would like to thank them for their support ahead of the new season. We'll be running a few competitions with our new sponsors in the coming weeks so keep a look out on that one.

New signing Jackson Irvine was the first to try on the three new shirts and said, "I quite like them! They're very fresh and not too tight which is always a benefit!
The idea to have a similar third kit to the away kit from last season is a nice little idea from Nike and the club, the fans will really like that decision I think.

Hopefully myself and the lads will be able to deliver further success in these shirts this season. I was delighted to sign earlier this Summer and I want to show my worth and ensure we do the best we can this season. I faced the drop with Burton and it's certainly an experience I don't want to go through again."

More information will follow regarding the official launch soon.

Nice looking shirts there

Now all you need is a Paul Pogba for the replica kits

Glad he is staying! Derby isn't really upwards. Kits looks nice, well done.