Colchester United Fanfile Interview

As Rovers prepare to take on Colchester United in Npower League One on Saturday afternoon, Total Tranmere took time out to gauge the views of U’s fan Daniel Whymark ahead of the match……

Colchester United fan Daniel Whymark from the Colchester United fans website The U'sual, took time out this week to answer some questions about his side’s upcoming match against Tranmere at Prenton Park this Saturday but is he confident about his team’s chances, who is the man to watch in their team what does Daniel think he knows about our very own Rovers…….

How long have you supported Colchester United?

Around 20 years now.  My first game was the club’s first visit to Wembley when they beat Witton Albion in the FA Trophy Final and thus completing the Conference double.  My first home game was in 1994.

What are your memorable moments and games between the U's and Tranmere?

Nothing stands out if I’m honest.  There’s the game at the end of last season where there were a lot of goals in the second half and Freddie Sears scored his first goal for us from open play, otherwise I recall a lot of bore-draws.

How has your team changed since we last played each other? (Last game 28th April 2012 at Colchester – Rovers lost  4-2)

We’ve retained the bulk of our squad from last season, with the exception of the strikers and goalie. Keeper Ben Williams joined Hibernian on a Bosman free transfer and Mark Cousins has stepped up to take the No.1 jersey.

Upfront, Steven Gillespie joined Fleetwood Town for an undisclosed fee and Kayode Odejayi opted to join Rotherham United over signing a new contract with the U’s.  Replacing them we’ve brought in Freddie Sears permanently and Clinton Morrison who were released from West Ham and Sheffield Wednesday respectively.

Last week we also brought in Gavin Massey on a free transfer from Watford after a couple of loan spells last season.  Our other summer signing was Marcus Bean on a free from Brentford.  He’s been an excellent signing so far bossing our midfield.

What are your expectations this season?

A top-half finish and perhaps sneaking into the play-offs.  Our success will depend on whether or not we can score enough goals to covert the many draws from last season into wins

The season didn’t start well with a 3-0 League Cup defeat at Yeovil, but we’ve not read too much into that, especially as they’re looking a surprise package in our League.  We’ve then had 3 draws on the bounce, 0-0 at Preston, 2-2 at home to Portsmouth and 1-1 at home to Sheffield United – all fair results.

Who is your Danger Man?

Anthony Wordsworth is the obvious choice and he’ll one day play at a higher level.  The problem is he’s a very lazy player and he’s only dangerous when he’s on his game and putting in the graft.

The jury is still out on Freddie Sears.  I wasn’t impressed when we had him on loan, but he’s looked much sharper with a pre-season under his belt.  Hopefully he’s found his level with us and will fulfil the promise that was first seen when he broke through at West Ham.

What do you know about our Team?

Not much.  Looking through your squad there aren’t many names I recognise. I know Owain Fon Williams as a keeper who has been playing in our League for a few years now, likewise John-Louis Akpa Akpro is a name that stands out. Other than them, the only other name I know is James Wallace, and that’s only because I signed him on Football Manager!

My first recollection of Tranmere when I was played as them on a management game in the mid-90s. At the time, there were players like John Aldridge, Alan Mahon and Graham Branch and you were in the Championship (or Division 1 as it was then).

What's your prediction for the game?

I don’t see us winning it.  You’ve had a good start to the season and given our form and previous results I’d expect a draw - I’ll say 0-0.  I’d certainly take a point now.

Total Tranmere would like to thank Daniel for taking time out to answer the questions ahead of the game and we wish Colchester Utd well for the season (after Saturday and excluding our trip down to Essex).  To read Total Tranmere's Deadly Submarine's answers to the same questions on Daniel's site CLICK HERE.