GERAINT Williams wants to put a smile on the faces of Colchester United fans tomorrow.He knows that even if his bottom-of-the-table side beats Ipswich Town at Layer Road (kick-off 3pm), they could still be relegated from the Coca-Cola Championship if other results don't go their way.

Elvin King

GERAINT Williams wants to put a smile on the faces of Colchester United fans tomorrow.

He knows that even if his bottom-of-the-table side beats Ipswich Town at Layer Road (kick-off 3pm), they could still be relegated from the Coca-Cola Championship if other results don't go their way.

“It's been a tough year all round for our supporters and everyone at the club,” said Williams.

“The fans have stayed with myself and the players and been very good.

“They have been very fair - they can't be happy with the position we are in.”

Williams is good friends with Town boss Jim Magilton and they are regular golf partners.

The U's manager has nothing but praise for his Town counterpart.

“He is a winner and wants to succeed,” said Williams.

“I'm pleased for him and the fact he has been given some funds this year, which he has spent well and that has made a big difference.”

Williams is looking forward to tomorrow's match, adding: “Hopefully it will be a full house and it will be a great atmosphere.

“I love derby matches because I love intense games.

“We have to make sure we end the last derby at Layer Road with a win.”

Scott Vernon is standing by for a rare start in attack.

Striker Clive Platt is suffering from a back injury and did not train yesterday, though the U's are still hopeful he will be fit.

Medy Elito is a doubt with a calf injury, but fellow winger Kevin McLeod is back in contention while midfielder Luke Guttridge could also return.

Experienced duo Teddy Sheringham and Danny Granville are still missing through injury and defender Pat Baldwin will miss the rest of the season and require an operation, after dislocating his shoulder in last weekend's 4-3 defeat at West Brom.

Tomorrow's likely squads

Colchester United: Gerken, Ifil, Coyne, White, Duguid, Hammond, Jackson, Elito, Lisbie, Platt, Cousins, Balogh, Virgo, Izzett, Vernon, McLeod, Guttridge.

Ipswich Town: Bywater, Simpson, Bruce, De Vos, Sito, Haynes, Sumulikoski, Garvan, Quinn, Lee, Rhodes, Colgan, Wright, Williams, Roberts, Trotter, Miller, Harding, Norris, Kuqi.

Referee: Mr A D'Urso (Billericay).