By Carl MarstonCOLCHESTER United are in a better position now, under current boss Aidy Boothroyd, than they were when Phil Parkinson guided the U's to the Championship four years ago.

Carl Marston

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United are in a better position now, under current boss Aidy Boothroyd, than they were when Phil Parkinson guided the U's to the Championship four years ago.

The U's class of 2005-06, although eventually securing promotion, cannot compete with Boothroyd's boys at present.

The current-day U's are higher in the league, have won more games, lost fewer and scored more goals, than Parkinson's men.

Of course United went on a great run during the second half of the campaign, four seasons ago, to claim the second automatic promotion slot behind Southend United.

And it looks likely that the U's will have even more competition, in their quest to return to the Championship for next year, with Leeds United odds-on to win the title and ironically Parkinson's current team, Charlton, six points clear in second spot.

But the current comparison will give heart to Colchester fans.

Below is a breakdown of the stats for the two seasons, after the comparative 21 games:

Parkinson's team (05-06)

Position: 6th

Won: 9

Drawn: 7

Lost: 5

Scored: 29

Conceded: 22

Points: 34

Best result: 5-0 v Gillingham

Leading scorers: Chris Iwelumo, Mark Yeates, Neil Danns Key defenders: Wayne Brown, Liam Chilvers

Boothroyd's team (09-10)

Position: 4th

Won: 11

Drawn: 6

Lost 4

Scored 35

Conceded 19

Points 39

Best result: 7-1 win at Norwich City

Leading marksmen: Kevin Lisbie, Clive Platt, Kayode Odejayi Key defenders: Magnus Okunoghae, Marc Tierney