It’s a role that has taken me through the highs, the lows and just about everything in between.

There have been promotions and relegations, memorable cup runs, managerial changes, dramatic victories, painful defeats and countless players who have pulled on the blue and white stripes.

But covering the U’s is about much more than simply reporting what happens during the 90 minutes on a Saturday afternoon.

Having followed the club closely for two decades, I’ve built up the contacts, knowledge and relationships that help us bring supporters closer to what is happening at the JobServe Community Stadium.

For our subscribers, that means regular interviews with head coach Danny Cowley and his players, injury updates, transfer news, academy stories and detailed analysis of the issues that matter to U’s fans.

Home - Colchester United's JobServe Community Stadium (Image: Newsquest)

It also means being there to ask the questions supporters want answering, providing context when things are going well and, just as importantly, when they are not.

Local journalism offers something different.

I’ve watched young players progress through Colchester’s academy, seen managers arrive and depart and followed the club home and away through very different eras.

That history matters because every new story has a context.

And while social media can provide an instant reaction, our aim at the Gazette is to go further: to explain what is happening, speak to the people involved and bring our readers original coverage they cannot get simply by following the score.

With the subscription deadline approaching tonight, now is the perfect time to sign up and ensure you don’t miss our Colchester United coverage.

There will always be another story around the corner at the U’s – and after 21 years covering them, I’m looking forward to bringing subscribers plenty more.

Our £4 for four months offer is only open until 11.59pm tonight, so don't miss out.

To subscribe, click HERE or tap the 'Subscribe' button at the top of the page.