U’s turn about to happen – Elokobi

George Elokobi

GEORGE Elokobi says Colchester still believe they can get out of the mess they’re in at the foot of the Sky Bet League One table.

The former Athletic defender, who left to move back to the Weston Homes Community Stadium on a free transfer in the summer, has seen his new club slip to nine defeats in the run up to Saturday’s relegation zone clash at SportsDirect.com Park.

Elokobi (29) took some satisfaction from the way Colchester put in an improved display in their latest loss, a 1-0 defeat at Gillingham.

“The turn-round is just round the corner for us. I don’t think we’re far off — as players, we have to stick together and keep believing in ourselves. Credit to Gillingham for staying in the game and their ’keeper had an unbelievable game to keep us out. That was as well as we’ve played this season and we created lots of chances.”

New manager Kevin Keen took over 10 days ago and succeeded Tony Humes, who left by mutual consent in November. The 48 year old, who has had caretaker stints in charge at West Ham and Macclesfield, is battling to guide the club to a first league win since October 20 and hopes to be able to make additions to the squad next month.

“We’ll keep going and I have 100 per cent confidence in the players that they can do the job,” Keen said.

“I hope we’ll be able to bring in one or maybe two to help and we’re looking.”

The last victory over a visiting Us side was in March 2006, when Richard Butcher got the only goal of the game.