Szmodics Backs Cowleys to Revitalize Colchester United

Ipswich Town attacker Sam Szmodics has expressed confidence in Danny and Nicky Cowley’s ability to improve Colchester United’s performance. Szmodics previously played for Colchester, Bristol City, Peterborough United, and Blackburn Rovers before his move to Ipswich Town. The Republic of Ireland international previously played under the Cowley brothers during a loan period at Braintree Town earlier in his professional career. Colchester currently holds the 21st position in League Two and was eliminated from the FA Cup by Swindon Town on Saturday. Szmodics conveyed to BBC Essex Sport, “They’re great managers and two great men as well. It’s been a tough start for them but hopefully they’re not far away from it all clicking.” Szmodics has revisited Colchester, where he netted 35 goals in 142 league matches at the beginning of his career, to address youth players regarding his 11-year progression to the Premier League. The 29-year-old was acquired by newly promoted Ipswich during the summer transfer window after an outstanding 2023-24 season with Blackburn. Despite this, his family continues to support Colchester, and he intends to maintain connections with the club as he plans for the subsequent phase of his career. Szmodics stated, “After playing, I want to go into that coaching or manager role and coming back and helping whenever is what I want to do.” He added, “[Coach] Steve Ball said can you come back and speak to some of the academy staff and players and it was a no-brainer for me.” Szmodics remarked, “Being back as a Premier League footballer is crazy. It’s something you always want, but if you get there is another question. “Not every one of them is going to be a professional footballer – only a percentage of people in that room will be. But you’ve got to make sure you’ve done everything you can to be in that percent.” Szmodics has registered two goals in 10 appearances for Ipswich, but the team is still seeking its inaugural victory in the top flight. He commented, “It’s tough. It’s a lot more intense. The games are a lot quicker and the teams are a lot better in terms of individual quality – but it’s somewhere I believe I should be and I’ve got to take the opportunity with both hands.” Szmodics continued, “We’ve had a tough start but we’ve played well as a team and hopefully that win’s coming.” Szmodics expressed support for manager Kieran McKenna to improve the team’s situation, commending his exceptional attention to detail. He further stated, “I feel I’ve learned a lot from him already and hopefully I can learn a lot more.” Szmodics concluded, “Last season scoring 33 goals was massive for me, and if I was going to get a move to the Premier League it was going to be this summer. I feel I’m at my peak now and playing with the most confidence I’ve ever had.”