of defence. While they kept up a good scoring record through Platt and fellow new signing Kevin Lisbie, the defence leaked goals, conceding 86 in the league. Despite early season promise with the U's hovering around mid-table, by Christmas it was apparent they were in a relegation battle. In the January transfer window, Cowling made funds available to Geraint Williams. He brought in Chris Coyne from Luton Town for another club record fee of £350,000, while Dean Hammond and Philip Ifil were also brought in for six-figure fees. There was a brief turnaround in form in January and early February, but a ten game run without a win including five consecutive defeats left the writing on the wall for the U's. Colchester could have been relegated from the Championship on 5 April, but the 2–0 win over rivals Ipswich ensured that the U's neighbours would not be the team relegating them. However, the inevitable occurred four days later when, without playing, relegation was confirmed when results went against them. In addition to conceding 86 goals, they kept a clean sheet on just two occasions all season. On 26 April, Layer Road hosted its final competitive game, just over 70 years since its first. With the move to the Colchester Community Stadium looming in the summer, Colchester played their final home game against Premier League-bound Stoke City, who were 1–0 victors on the day. In spite of the relegation and lowly league position, it was still Colchester's second-best-ever league performance. Players Transfers In Total spending: ~ £900,000 Out Total incoming: ~ £1,750,000 Loans in Loans out Match details Championship League table Results round by round Matches Football League Cup FA Cup Squad statistics Appearances and goals |- !colspan="16"|Players who appeared for Colchester who left during the season |} Goalscorers Disciplinary record Clean sheets Number of games goalkeepers kept a clean sheet. Player debuts Players making their first-team Colchester United debut in a fully competitive match. See also List of Colchester United F.C. seasons References General Books Websites Specific 2007-08 2007–08 Football League Championship by team