Colchester appointed former Crystal Palace manager Dick Graham to replace Neil Franklin.

Seven games into the season, with his side earning just one point, Graham cleared out the squad, ousting six players and sold Duncan Forbes and Derek Trevis for a combined fee of £19,000.

He brought in a number of players, including goalkeeper Tony Macedo and former Tottenham Hotspur double-winner Terry Dyson.

Colchester's form drastically improved, earning 33 points from a possible 42 to propel up the table into fourth position and the promotion places.

[40] Players making their first-team Colchester United debut in a fully competitive match.