COLCHESTER United will be sticking with the same playing kit, next season.

Some fans had been hoping that the U's would return to their traditional blue and white stripes, in the 2021-22 campaign.

But in an unprecedented move, Colchester chairman Robbie Cowling has confirmed that the club will retain all of the same playing kits for the next season.

Cowling told the U's website: "We will be taking the unusual step of keeping all of our playing kits the same for the forthcoming season.

"I know many of you have bought the shirts to support the club and then not had a chance to wear them and I won’t lie to you, the club also has loads of unsold shirts too because we have not sold anywhere near the same levels as normal."

Halstead Gazette:

Colchester are set to enforce social distancing at the JobServe Community Stadium, next season.

The U's are expected to be able to welcome back supporters to their home ground in the 2021-22 campaign, following the lifting of restrictions.

The last time Colchester fans were in the stadium for a match was for their home clash with Morecambe last December, where around 1,000 supporters were in attendance.

Cowling said: "I must mention the brilliant work that my staff have been doing at the stadium this season.

"So much work went into preparing the stadium for fans and although that work wasn’t fully utilised this past season, our current plan is to stick with our seasonal permits and social distancing measure for the 2021/22 season.

"This seems to be the most sensible approach for the time being at least but more details will follow once we know more ourselves.

"The stadium’s part in the vaccination should be something we are all very proud of.

"(General manager) Tim (Waddington) and (stadium manager) Sean (McQuaid) in particular have been working crazy times to facilitate the NHS and I’m sure many of you will have had your jabs at the stadium and been impressed with the process.

"I know many of those involved are volunteers and they deserve a big thank you from all of us.

"I must say a big thanks to (head of media) David Gregory too, who has been travelling to all of the away games even at the most dangerous of times. His contributions all season have been first class."