Chairman Jack Rippingale Third Division 22nd (Relegated) League Cup 1st Round | Manager Bobby Roberts FA Cup 3rd Round | |
 | ||
Top goalscorer League:
Kevin Bremner (8)
All:
Kevin Bremner (10) | ||
The 1980–81 season was Colchester United's fourth consecutive season in the Football League Third Division. The season ended in relegation back to the Football League Fourth Division.
Contents
Season Review
Chairman Maurice Cadman's warning about the clubs financial difficulties was expected to spark an exodus of players. However, only Steve Dowman left in the summer joining Wrexham for £75,000.
The club received their first-ever shirt sponsorship from Royal London Insurance but failed to win in the opening eight games. Beating Millwall 3-0 in the ninth attracted national coverage. Sergeant Frank Ruggles of Essex Police marched on the field and tried to arrest Lions' defender Mel Blyth for swearing.
Manager Bobby Roberts signed unknown Highland Leaguer Kevin Bremner for a club record £25,000 and six consecutive home wins saw Colchester well placed at Christmas. But when Trevor Lee moved to Gillingham in a club record deal worth £90,000 form dipped and United slipped down the table. On transfer deadline day, Roberts matched the record fee in recruiting Roger Osborne and also paid £15,000 each for Roy McDonough and Phil Coleman.
Eight games without a win ensured relegation by just two points, and amid news of a 25,000 all-seater stadium development along the Avenue of Remembrance came the stark reality of a new all-time lowest attendance of 1,430 at the final day win over Carlisle and the season's average of just 2,641. Roberts was given a vote of confidence despite relegation. The Council refused the new stadium plans and re-iterated their covenant on Layer Road that prevented any activity other than football.
Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Third Division Results Summary
Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points
Third Division Results
Source: 1980-81 Season Colchester United Results - coludata.co.uk
League Cup
Source: 1980-81 Season Colchester United Results - coludata.co.uk
FA Cup
Source: 1980-81 Season Colchester United Results - coludata.co.uk
Most Frequent Starting XI
This section shows players in a 3-5-2 formation with the most league starts during the season.