Colchester United fans given chance to buy cut-outs of themselves for play-off clash
Colchester United are hoping to fill their stadium with cardboard cut-outs of fans for their upcoming League Two semi-final play-off against Exeter City.
League Two clubs recently indicated they still wanted the play-offs to go ahead, despite making it clear they wanted the season to be cancelled.
Provided the clubs stick to their guns at a final vote next month, the U's would face Exeter in a two-legged play-off in June.
The matches would be played behind closed doors, but Colchester are offering supporters the chance to buy cut-outs of themselves for the home leg to show their support.
German club Borussia Mönchengladbach did a similar thing when they returned to Bundesliga action in May - with 13,000 cut-outs fiillng the stands for their game against Bayer Leverkusen.
The idea is that it will make the Colchester players feel like they are being roared on by the U's supporters - despite the fact that no fans will be in the stadium.
Colchester say supporters will be able to buy the cut-outs for £25, once the play-off dates are confirmed, and fans will also be able to take them home whenever they're next allowed back in the ground.
"It will make such a difference to see our fans in the stands – even cut-out ones!" midfielder Harry Pell said.
"We’ll feel the fans are with us supporting us on our journey, hopefully towards play-off success."