What the Cowleys will not lack, assuming they can turn the team’s fortunes around, is support from the stands.
Before last weekend’s 1-1 home draw against Bradford City, one caller told the BBC Essex fans’ phone-in: “They will be judged on results, of course they will, but I just think they bring something different. Enthusiasm and positivity goes a long way.”
Players believe in them too, with former U’s midfielder Sammie Szmodics, now with Blackburn Rovers, telling BBC Essex: “I was close to joining them at Huddersfield when they were there, but worked with them at Braintree, only for two or three games.
“They are very full on, very hands on, and they know how important Colchester football club is to the town. It’s good to see them back in management and I’m sure they’ll do well.”
There is no doubting how much the brothers are enjoying being back in an area they know so well, or how much they want to provide success for U’s fans.
“We’re local boys, we understand the community and what this football club means to so many people. We understand the challenge in front of us and, for Nicky and I, it’s always been about running towards a challenge, that’s what we’ve done all of our lives,” Danny Cowley said.
“Our short-term ambition is to retain our status in this division and we know that’s not going to be easy, we’re going to have to work relentlessly to make that happen. But when we do, and I look at this club and the many good people already here, I feel we have a springboard to jump on and I only see exciting times ahead. It’s for us to try to maximise its potential.”
So what does brother Nicky – the younger by three years – make of the Ant and Dec comparison?
“I’m not sure we’re quite as funny as those guys – but it is a pretty unique relationship, there’s not been too many brothers that have managed together,” he said.
“Some people might find it hard to work with another family member, but Danny and I have always been so close.
“I actually played for Danny when he was managing at Concord. We are very aligned in our values. It feels like a good fit to work as a partnership.”
Interviews by BBC Look East’s Jonathan Park
