Time to man up - Us boss

CHRIS PORTER: likely to face a frosty reception from Athletic fans.

COLCHESTER manager Tony Humes was less than impressed with his struggling side’s standard of defending as they slumped to a 15th defeat of the season.

Two goals from former Athletic favourite Jose Baxter helped to make the final score 4-1 to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Tuesday.

The result keeps the Us deep in trouble in the division’s relegation zone.

“We’ve become a bit of a soft touch,” said Humes. “If you don’t score you’re always making life hard for yourselves. We had seven chances in the first half and didn’t take them, and if you don’t defend properly you’re always going to get punished.

“This can’t go on. We are a soft touch at the moment but we have to stick together and get through this tough spell.”

Chris Porter — the man Athletic fans love to hate — returns again on Saturday after signing a three and a half year deal last month. The player (31) is set to operate once again as a lone front man.


History suggests it won’t be a walk in the park for Athletic, with Colchester unbeaten in their last six visits to SportsDirect.com Park.