Banter with Burns with Colchester United Supporters Association chairman Jon Burns

WINNING at champions Lincoln City was a mighty fine way to end the season for the U’s and their supporters last Saturday.

It wasn't just a win, it was more like domination in my view and it just proves the point that no-one was unbeatable in League Two.

A double over MK Dons and Lincoln shows everyone just how good the U’s are on their day and reinforces those who state that our eighth-place finish was a massive opportunity lost.

Sammie (Szmodics) was excellent, Sam Saunders and Tom Lapslie tireless and as for our defence up against (John) Akinde and (Matt) Rhead, they were simply outstanding.

As too were the U’s fans who massed nearly 700 to cheer their team to seventh place - only for a late, bundled Newport equaliser to scupper the day.

Hindsight is a wonderful quality and much like many of you, I have been dwelling on those simple and sad lapses up front or at the back that have ultimately cost us the point to the play-offs.

Nothing can be changed, of course.

It's such a shame we’ve lost out and more so on an automatic promotion place, in my opinion, because the U’s would have certainly been worthy of it given their early form.

The injury blight of our midfield, some goalkeeper uncertainty and a combined barren period from our front men all got together to stall the U’s engine this season after it purred to perfection early on.

There's not much more to be said other than I hope the U’s can get their player business sorted early and successfully as they did last season.

Our squad was one of the best assembled for years and if they can do that again then we have to believe that we’ll be fighting for promotion again.

Will that squad still contain some of our current stars?

There will be rumours everywhere over the next couple of months.

Some true and some bogus and I always love the ones that come from supposed sources in the “know”.

Experience has taught me to only believe it when it happens.

Ronaldo seen at the McDonald's near the stadium and all that.

There's been so much talk about Sammie Szmodics this week.

Our top scorer appears to be in high demand and rightly so.

First up I would love to see him at the U’s again next season, but on the other hand I would also love to see him further his career at a good club in the Championship.

It will be a massive wrench for our homegrown Colchester lad but I know he’ll be a great success wherever he plays his football.

The same can be said for Frankie (Kent), Kane (Vincent-Young) and several others, whether they are in or out of contract.

For what they have given for the U’s over the years, they would only be leaving us on the very best of

terms.

That's it from me this season.

Thank you to all of the U’s supporters who have got behind the team home or away.

You are a credit to the football club.

I hope you have a great “off season” and come back ready to go again for another promotion battle.

Up the U’s!

Jon Burns

Colchester United Supporters' Association chairman