DANNY Cowley has praised the professionalism of his Colchester United players as they go in search of a fourth straight victory at relegation-haunted Harrogate Town tomorrow.
And the U’s boss has revealed the ‘really annoying’ outside criticism that has helped fuel their three successive wins, in League Two.
Advertisement
Colchester have been in fine form despite the absence of the likes of Micah Mbick, Harvey Araujo and Tom Flanagan, due to injury.
Jack Payne focused on Colchester United form….not takeover talk
And the U’s are finishing the season strongly, amid the overhanging spectre of takeover talk and many players being out of contract, this summer.
U’s boss Cowley said: “The thing that’s pleased me most about the three straight wins is the way we’ve had to fight, to get to this point.
Advertisement
“We haven’t had it easy because as has been well publicised, we’ve had some key players out injured.
“When you’re a small squad and particularly a young squad, the unavailability of key players can have a huge impact.
Winning feeling – Colchester United boss Danny Cowley celebrates after the win over Accrington Stanley (Image: Richard Blaxall)
“So, I think the way that we’ve adapted is something that we’re really proud of and we’ve had to really fight, to get into this position.
Advertisement
“I know prior to this little run we were getting criticised and people were saying we were on the beach but we knew it was untrue and it was really annoying us!
“We’ve all come together and found motivation in that maybe.
“They’re great lads and they train really hard every day and their professionalism is incredible.
Former Braintree player named on Arsenal bench in Champions League
“There’s so many of them that are out of contract so there’s so much uncertainty for so many of them and yet they just keep finding their best levels and that’s something I hugely admire.
Advertisement
“I’m really proud of the way they conduct themselves, the way they train day to day and the levels they’ve been able to get to.
“Every day in elite sport, you’re trying to prove yourself.
“That’s what you’re always trying to do.
Happy days – Nicky Cowley celebrates with Colchester United’s players after the Accrington win (Image: Richard Blaxall)
“For us, this is quite normal and we’re all fighting for something.
“For us, it’s always points, it’s always our pride and it’s always for our supporters who mean so much to us.
Advertisement
“We wake up with this feeling every day and our ambition is to always be our best.”
Colchester take on a Harrogate side who lie four points from safety, with three games remaining.
MORE STORIES:
Colchester United injury update ahead of trip to Harrogate Town
‘Not even going to mention that’: Accrington boss John Doolan on defeat
Colchester United under-21s hold Cardiff City as red cards are shown
Cowley added: “Harrogate are a really good club and what the Weavers have done at that football club shouldn’t be underestimated, taking it from non-league all the way to the Football League.
Advertisement
“Of course, they’re going to be fighting to try to stay in the division.
“We anticipate a really highly motivated team, a team that has actually done well in the second half of the season and would be mid-table, with their second half of the season form.
“We’re going to need to find our best levels.
“We feel in a good moment and we want to continue that.”
