Once the worrying elements of the support had done their booing, left because it was rubbish or whatever else they wanted to do with their pent-up anger, a different mood took over the stadium. The podium got set up, the fans had a bit of a sing-song and to their credit, a large number of Colchester fans stayed put to watch us crowned. I felt a bit bad having been so happy they’d failed to make the top seven at that point, especially as they’d played so well. Sammy Szmodics went over and seemingly said goodbye to them and again, I felt for their supporters. We’d been there before, so close and yet so far and then witnessing our top players leaving.
It pleased me we’re in the position we are. None of our top performers were saying goodbye. We didn’t have to watch another team handed the trophy. Rather ironically, in the last four years we’ve seen the trophy presented four times; away at Cheltenham in the National League, then we won it, then away at Accrington last season and now we’ve won it again. Odd stat I’d say.
It was soon time for the congratulations, cheers and a bit more booing. I wasn’t upset to hear Shaun Harvey booed, not one bit, but after that the staff got their moment as they came out to applause, then Danny and Nicky and finally the squad. The players came out as if they were going to board Noah’s Ark, two by two. I had some fun in my own head working out the pairs, it took my mind away from the numb feeling in my hands as we applauded for an eternity. They took their medals, took the places and waited.
This was the moment it was all about, the moment that seemed written in the stars the day he signed for the club. Lee Frecklington, born in the city, raised on the pitches of Lincoln and with links as strong as anyone to the club came out alone. I remember watching his early matches, for us, tracking his swift progression and finally seeing him go off into the world to make his fortune. He walked across the turf towards the podium, took his place and after a brief pause, hoisted the League Two title aloft.
History.
The reaction was emotional, some cheered, some cried and like usual I simply applauded and took it all it. I have a good mix of people around me, the chap I’ve sat next to for two seasons introduced himself a ‘Stan’ and he had a wistful look in his eye. My Dad was obviously delighted and from my right hand side I got a hug from others who share the match days. The booing and anger had subsided, at least in me, and all that was left was joy and relief.
Danny’s speech was natural emotive and passionate, invoking images of further success, but also of a chapter ending. I couldn’t help but think this is the culmination of the story, the end of the chapter labelled ‘redemption’. When they took over, League One was the aspiration and although the Championship is the next stop, it’s a big jump. We’ve done one stage of the journey, but the loco is about to pull off to a destination completely alien to us all.
I did like seeing John Akinde going around all of the staff, one by one, on the lap of honour. The rest of the players rightly lapped it up, but I think it showed a bit about Akinde’s character. I see him as a gentle giant, but this promotion means a lot to him. Of course, it means a huge amount to everyone, but there’s something in that smile that tells me it’s really hit him in the right place. I like big John, I think he’s isolated at times, but he’s such a handful and the fact other players voted him in the PFA teams shows what he does bring to a side. He’s a footballer’s footballer, not necessarily always a crowd pleaser but someone the players understand the importance of.
That was that. I wanted to stay in the ground for hours, get down the front and have a few selfies, but that’s not what I’m usually about. I’d had the moment I wanted and sadly, as I left, the controversial booing and leaving early seemed to dominate social media. Maybe it’s because we won the title weeks ago, maybe we’ve celebrated this season on three occasions now and it feels routine, but for some reason that ill-feeling spread across some social media platforms.
It’s a shame because although we did lose the game, the individual battle if you like, we won the war.
We’re the champions, the one and only and as Chesney Hawkes sang; you can’t take that away from me (us).
4 games without a goal is a problem. It could be down to a number of issues 2 games were difficult away games,but our attack has dried up.
Gary, in some ways you could also argue the players also left early? It wasn’t the performance I expected from a group of players who were Champions but I suppose you can’t win L2 with a six point gap without being consistent over 46 games. I am sure many Notts County fans would swap places!
Agree with most of that Gary. Yesterday the overall experience depended on whether you could separate the “truly terrible football” of the first half from the celebrations and trophy presentation for winning the league i.e. the game itself from afterwards. Most of us couldn’t and that took the shine off it, and it looked like Danny was having the same problem. Three nil down at home at half time could have been six or seven – two great blocks from Bostwick, a missed open goal, and they hit the post twice. Too many players off their game to mention, passing the ball out of play, giving it away, conceding awful goals. And don’t tell me the result didn’t matter – it mattered to Colchester, it mattered to Danny Cowley and it mattered to the fans – it just looked a game too far for the players. Simon Barnes wrote that nothing in sport really matters, its just that you have to pretend it does, otherwise there is no point. Yesterday we were asked to pretend that it didn’t matter. The 617 uplifted the mood when Newport scored and there was something to give back to their fans “three nil up and it means **** all” but that was pretending too, it did mean something and it did matter. Danny knew it post match, the crowd knew it too – so no pitch invasion, no staying as long as possible in the TP – just home as soon as the lads paraded the trophy. Two other things – I have no problem with fans booing “truly terrible football” – they pay their money and have an opinion like everyone else. Finally, those of us that were lucky enough to get a Stacey West ticket and travelled from Scotland on a 600 mile round trip can decide for ourselves whether to bother coming thanks. Personally I was proud to have been there for Graham Taylor’s team and I was proud to have been there with the nearest and dearest yesterday, including the kids from Aberdeen. Keep up the good work and good luck with the Blogging Awards
That’s the great thing about the intelligent commentary on this site, I agree with Gary AND totally respect your opinion too, even if it is at times contrary to my own. All You Need is Love x
I left the game 15 minutes from the end because I was sick of the drivel on the pitch from the Lincoln players who were not playing like champions and haven’t played like champions for far too many games this season especially in the last 3 games. I go to the games having PAID for my season ticket, having PAID to be entertained and then to celebrate. There was nothing to celebrate yesterday, we celebrated winning the second division last week and yesterday we were short changed! Don’t tell me it’s a long season, my work takes 47 weeks per year like most peoples. City should have nailed those last 3 games and a good deal of the draws they played in thus giving out a real message to the teams in League 1.But no, couldn’t be arsed, minds on beaches in the sun. NOT GOOD ENOUGH AND IM ANNOYED AND NOT IMPRESSED. I hope they show more consistent application next season, we will see….
You OK hun?
It was all a bit weird at times – but then some people are weird! I suppose that it was different in different parts of the ground, but around where I was in upper 5 co-op, the boos I heard were ironic and people were laughing at it as they went downstairs for a beer. I also think that although the paper throwing was a pain, it was messing around rather than a nasty edge. It was if the crowd didn’t care that much and they just wanted a celebration at the end- but were a bit annoyed that we were going to get anti-climax number 2. The celebration at the end though was heartfelt and real. And I agree that we have Newport to thank for lifting a few people who needed a cause at the end. UTI
The Colchester player took an age, but it was inevitable, and the third goal went in. I looked at Seán sitting next to me. He’d been talking about the game all week, and had travelled hundreds of miles to be there. He was in bits, floods of tears cascading his cheeks. Inconsolable.
Did he boo them off at half time?
DID HE F*CK. He’s only seven but clearly has a higher level of emotional maturity than the boo’ers. By the middle of the second half, he had rallied. On his feet, trying to lead a chant in the Stacey West, and getting a ripple of applause for doing do. Practically the last to leave the ground, rinsing every last moment out of his day.
Don’t worry, the future’s bright – he’ll be there cheering on the imps long after you and I have left this mortal coil. And long, long after the boo’ers have moved on…
Hey Liverpool! I sat next to you. I didn’t get the chance to tell you but your son was a joy to behold! The future is bright with fans like you and Sean.
Nice one. See you next season. All You Need is Love
I went into the game yesterday actually feeling emotionally exhausted having ridden the supporters roller coaster ride. I was very frustrated and angry at how the day became such an anti climax due to the poor performance, the guys are deservedly Champions and bar a couple of players, they could not raise their game to finally give us a win at Sincil Bank! I was actually beating myself up for feeling so angry however, I realised that I was not on my own when I heard Danny and Nicky’s thoughts about the performance, they were unhappy people. I could imagine that it will be a long summer for them as they will be itching to get started again and get that performance out of the system, the team need to be playing for something. Personally, I cannot wait for it all to start again.
Great article Gary. Can’t help thinking how much a psychological spur it is to have something to play for. Yes they are professionals, top notch at that, but they are human. Guaranteeing the championship early must have had an effect. So pleased Newport got in the play-offs to avoid feeling our performance contributed to a skewed league outcome. Poor performance? Yes but I didn’t care. We are winners! That’s what I want first and foremost. I even enjoyed John Beck days! Are there big decisions to make for Danny and Nicky? Of course. The opportunities are there now though to respond to the new challenge. I’m happy. It’s not happened many times in my 60+ years of supporting the team. Up the Imps!
As a Colchester fan I really enjoyed this nuanced report. And I wish the proper English pub you started the day in a long and prosperous future. Despite the disappointment that came with the game in Morecambe, I think it was an important performance by Colchester. The football has been really good at times this season, (Courtney Senior IS fun to watch) yet some of the fans (younger ones mostly) would like John McGreal to be sacked. Older fans I think tend to be gentler, and McGreal is a thoughtful and courteous man and I hope he’s allowed to continue. I think players like playing for him.
We’ll lose Szmodics and I guess Frankie Kent too (blond central defender who was captain yesterday), but it’s important that footballers see Colchester players go on to bigger and better things, or we’ll have trouble attracting young talent. We took 12 points off you and MK Dons, but not enough off anyone else. I guess if Newport had not scored that goal then Exeter would have been really questioning your players’ attitude yesterday, but we were pretty lively in that first half, with some good touches at speed.
It seems that the Colchester fans behaved well yesterday (I wasn’t at the game but watched it on tv), and I’m glad about that. We go into the summer in much better shape than it looked like nine days ago.
As I say, nice to read such a thoughtful piece, and I wish you good luck in the league above. I’ll be interested (genuinely) whether Ipswich turn out to be any better than we are, so I’ll be back to read your report on that one!