Platt Glad To Be Back

Colchester United forward Clive Platt admitted his relief at being back in the first-team fold ahead of last night’s match against Southampton, following the completion of a three match suspension.

“I’ve been doing a lot of work behind the scenes and was able to get a bit of match fitness,” the 28-year-old told BBC Radio Essex just prior to recording his first start of September.

Platt, Colchester’s all-time record signing, had scored on his debut last month against Sheffield United before being forced to watch the subsequent four weeks of action from the sidelines. He did appear as a late substitute in last weekend’s draw with Charlton.

Platt admitted that biding his time had been a frustration: “It’s been hard, I’ve been training and waiting for the month to pass. As a footballer you work all week for the games that are coming along but when you’re suspended that weekend never comes; that’s difficult.”

He did, however, concede he was now over any remorse he was made to suffer for the original offence, where a flailing elbow on a Bolton defender during pre-season was deemed as violent conduct and the resulting ban.

“It’s long past,” Platt said. “I’ve really enjoyed being with the boys and being part of the squad. It’s just been a frustration. Hopefully I can be involved a quickly as possible.”

As for mastering the step-up from League One to Championship level, Platt managed that during his debut when a cross from winger Karl Duguid fed him a headed goal. On the difference between the standard of play, Platt added: “It’s different, it’s harder – a bit quicker.”

Platt continued “People are better on the ball and in better positions. At the same time, I’m playing with better players now; the boys here are better on the ball than I’ve ever played with.

“It was good to get the goal. Doogie put in a great ball for me and I got on the end of it – that’s want you want. Now I’m looking forward to getting my next goal,” he concluded.

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