After two defeats from two, and drawing blanks in their last four matches in League Two, the panic stations could be going into overdrive down in Essex. However, Colchester manager Hayden Mullins is calling for calm even in spite of the bleak situation down at The U's currently.
The former West Ham player turned manager insisted times will get better when speaking with The Daily Gazette, seeing this poor form as something to learn from: "It's a long season and there'll be lots of ups and downs. It's not about panicking; it's about taking defeats, learning from them and moving on. I really think we've moved on from last Saturday (against Salford) because that performance (against Tranmere) was far, far better."
Even with an improved performance, Colchester still lost that encounter 2-0 with one shot on target to their name. With an impatient fanbase on his back, the Colchester fans will want results over seeing glimpses of good displays. Two wins from 10 is never going to make you a popular figure, Mullins needs to crack the winning formula again soon.
Mullins, again, praised Colchester and specifically their away form - The U's picking up their two wins for the season on the road: "It (Tranmere) was the first time we've lost on our travels, which is a testament to the boys. It's tough to keep coming to places like Tranmere and winning games. We have to turn our home games and our home stadium into a bit of a fortress and we know that."
Papering over the cracks somewhat, Mullins' team needs to improve their home record in order to move up the division. With a tough encounter against Harrogate next up at The Jobserve Community Stadium, it doesn't get any easier. Yet, at the end of the month, Scunthorpe travel down as a team in free-fall. Winnable games are ahead for Colchester, it's all about re-gaining that confidence to win on your own patch.
Goal-shy too in the division so far, Mullins has confidence that players like Freddie Sears and Frank Nouble could fire them to future successes: "The group we've got at the moment is a really good group. I'm really happy with the group; we're an honest group who work hard. The harder they work, the luckier they get and that will be in front of goal as well."
The main thing will be translating that feel-good energy from the training ground, that hard-working approach into winning games and exciting fans. At the moment, it seems like blind optimism from the Colchester head coach.
The Verdict
Two points above the relegation zone currently, good times do feel rather far away if you're a Colchester fan at the minute. Yet, it's still early days in the division and a good run of form could turn the season on its head for Mullins' team.
The positivity from Mullins is refreshing to hear, other managers might begin to play the blame game in a similar position, but he clearly believes in the personnel he has. With three home games before the close of the month, it's crucial Colchester begin to find their feet at home and begin to rise up League Two.