Colchester United chairman Robbie Cowling on style of play

The U’s have predominantly stuck to the same formation over recent years, influenced by the club’s philosophy to provide a pathway for their academy players to shine in the first team.

Colchester have in the main adopted a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 system and have received criticism in the past in some quarters for lacking tactical flexibility in games, due to their desire to adhere to a specific way of playing.

Cowling admits they may have been times in the past where they have been a ‘bit too rigid’ in their approach.

But while he naturally wants to see more of the club’s academy players shine in the first team next season, the U’s owner stressed that newly-installed head coach Mullins will be free to choose the way he approaches each specific game – with no interference from above.

Cowling said: “I think in the past, we’ve maybe been a bit too rigid with some of the philosophies and ways that we play.

“For me personally, if we’re going to bring the youngsters through then that’s a problem for Hayden to solve each week – how he gets those youngsters in and what shape he uses or what style of play he has.

“I think Hayden will say that there’s never been interference from anyone saying ‘you have to play with this shape or this style or these players’.

“I don’t even talk about the team; the first time I normally know the team is when I see the teamsheet.

“I don’t ring up managers and ask them who they’re thinking of playing and why.

“It’s not what it’s about and Hayden will have the freedom to play how he wants.

“What’s really important is if he’s bringing through a couple of players who are technical, he may have to have a different shape to suit them or if he’s bringing through some who are athletic, then that way.

“If we have to get a certain result against certain teams, why would you limit yourself by anything?”

Colchester return for pre-season training on July 1.

The fixtures for the new 2021-22 League Two season will be released on June 24.