Colchester United boss John McGreal on play-off showdown

The U’s are now preparing to host Exeter City behind closed doors at the JobServe Community Stadium in their semi-final first leg on June 18, after clubs voted by an overwhelming majority to formally end the 2019/20 season.

Colchester will be battling with Exeter to face either Cheltenham Town or Northampton Town in the play-off final, which takes place at Wembley on June 29.

And boss McGreal says the coming days represent exciting times for the club, who are preparing for their first play-offs since 1998.

McGreal said: “It’s a fantastic achievement to get into the play-offs.

“The boys are really excited and so are the staff, too - it’s all systems go now.

"It just cements a good season for us to date.

“We want to improve on last season, when we only just missed out.

“It’s been a terrific season for us so far and we’ve had great cup runs.

“It’s a fantastic position that the football club is in and they’re great games for us to look forward to.

“It’s very much a reflection of all of the hard work that we’ve been putting in as a football club and on the training ground.

“It’s hard work that has got us into this position.”

Colchester have played out two draws against Exeter this season.

The U’s drew 0-0 at St James Park in January, after sharing the spoils with the Grecians in a 2-2 draw at the Community Stadium, last December.

“Exeter will be a tough nut to crack but we have to embrace it – that’s the big thing,” said McGreal.

“We know it will be tough, over the two legs.

“Exeter are an experienced team who have been in the play-offs, in recent years.

“They’ve had a good season but so have we and they know that they will be in for a tough game, too.

“The first leg of the semi-final is only eight days away now and it’ll soon be upon us.

“We’ve had to cram a lot of work in, having been off for nine or ten weeks.

“We don’t what it’s going to be like playing behind closed doors but it’s a different experience for both sides.”