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

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United are in a better position in League One now, under current boss Aidy Boothroyd, than they were when Phil Parkinson guided the U's to promotion 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 table, 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.

But it looks likely that the U's will have even more competition, in their quest to return to the Championship this time.

Leaders Leeds United are 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.

Alongside is a breakdown of the stats for the two seasons, after both sides had completed 21 games.

AFTER 21 MATCHES

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 and 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