John McGreal has saluted Colchester United’s fans for their support of the club, this season.

The curtain comes down on the U’s League Two campaign this weekend when they make the trip down to Devon to take on promotion-hopefuls, Exeter City.

Colchester completed their Weston Homes Community Stadium programme last Saturday with a 0-0 draw against Swindon Town, after which McGreal and his players thanked the home faithful for their backing, this season.

And the U’s head coach says their encouragement has been a big boost, this season.

McGreal said: “I want to thank the fans, because they’ve been terrific.

“We’re trying to continue this development with the fans and the players and also with myself.

“I’ve got a fantastic rapport with the fans and I’ve had letters and emails from them throughout the week saying how they’re proud of the club and how they support the club the length and breadth of the country.

“I just want to thank them as well because we keep asking for them to turn up and show their support and every week, the South Stand gets the drum going that we had to call back mid-season.

“Once they get it going, it’s a tough place for opposition teams to come.”

McGreal took charge of Colchester for the 101st time against Swindon last weekend.

Since taking over from Kevin Keen in the hot seat in May, 2016, the former U’s academy boss has won 35, drawn 28 and lost 38 of his games in charge in all competitions.

McGreal said: “The 100 games has gone so quickly.

“There’s been a lot of learning in it but a lot of enjoyment, as well.

“I can definitely say I’ve enjoyed every moment of it and I’m trying to implement a style of play that I really truly believe in.

“The fans are getting warm to that as well, because it’s brought results.

“When we first over when the club was in division one, it wasn’t quite in that right place at that right time.

“I think now we’re putting in good foundations to try and build again and have a good push.

“It’s not gone quickly, because the job is 25/8.

“But I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and hopefully there’s a lot more success to come this way towards the football club.”