HISTORY sometimes has a habit of repeating itself, and Colchester United will be hoping for just that on the final day of the coming season.

Carl Marston

By Carl Marston

HISTORY sometimes has a habit of repeating itself, and Colchester United will be hoping for just that on the final day of the coming season.

Yesterday's publication of the fixture list for the 2008-09 campaign, which will be the U's first at their new Weston Homes Community Stadium, has earmarked Geraint Williams' men for a final day of the season visit to Yeovil Town.

And U's fans need no reminding of where their club wrapped up promotion to the Championship two years ago - at Yeovil on May 6, 2006!

A goalless draw at Huish Park was enough for the U's, with Phil Parkinson at the helm, to take the second automatic promotion slot in League One. It was also Parkinson's final match in charge at Layer Road, before his shock departure for Hull.

Could it happen again? Could United bounce back into the Championship at the first time of asking with a positive result at Yeovil on May 2, 2009?

Of course U's supporters can afford to dream, just as they have dreamt for many years of a move to a new ground. That becomes reality on August 16, when Huddersfield Town will be the first ever visitors to the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

United have no pre-season friendlies at their new home, and their first competitive match of the season will see a long trip to the north-east to take on Hartlepool United. During the following week, they are also on the road again with a Carling Cup first round tie at Gillingham.

The fixtures with Leeds United, who lost the League One play-off final to Doncaster Rovers last month, will be eagerly awaited. The U's visit Elland Road on Saturday, December 13, and will entertain Gary McAllister's side on Saturday April 4.

The U's relegation to League One means a revival of the Essex derbies with Southend United. The U's will visit Roots Hall at the start of November, and will host the Shrimpers on February 21.

Other notable fixtures include the longest of the season - to Carlisle United on Saturday, January 31 - and a trip to a new ground for U's fans - MK Dons on Saturday, January 10.