The League Cup run of the 1974–75 season had brought recognition - only it was for U's manager Jim Smith who left to join Second Division Blackburn in the summer of 1975. His coach Bobby Roberts was appointed manager. His early days were disastrous. Not only did United not win any of their first five games, but Smith returned with £25,000 to prise away Bobby Svarc from cash-strapped U's.

Roberts' side rallied mid-season to climb to twelfth place but some crushing defeats including 6-1 at Chesterfield and 6-0 at Brighton put Colchester back into the relegation mire. The U's also suffered the ignominy of a second successive defeat to a non-League side when they were demolished 4-1 at Dover Athletic in an FA Cup replay. Inevitably United were relegated with Steve Leslie being leading scoring with a record lowest total of just six League goals.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GAv = Goal average; Pts = Points

Source: 1975-76 Season Colchester United Results - coludata.co.uk

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