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Colchester United FC were founded in 1937, after the demise of Colchester Town.

Election to the Football League

They took over the Layer Road Ground from their predecessor, and joined the Southern League, where they played until elected to the Football League in 1950.

They were forced to seek re-election in 1954 and 1955, and in 1961 they were relegated to the Fourth Division.

They were relegated again in 1965, but bounced straight back, however, relegation in 1968 was the beginning of a longer spell at the bottom.

Giant Killers

In 1971, Colchester had their moment in the spotlight when they beat First Division leaders Leeds United 3-2 in a dramatic FA Cup match.

However, the following season was a disaster, and ended with Colchester having to apply for re-election.

United were finally promoted back to the Third Division in 1974. Three years later they were down again only to win promotion again the following season.

Relegation to the Conference

In 1981 the U's was back in the Fourth Division and in 1990 they were relegated to the Conference.

In March 1991, the club was saved from extinction when the local borough council bought Layer Road for £1m and leased it back to the football club.

Back in the League

Colchester won the Conference double in 1992, to earn a return to the football League after an absence of twelve years.

In 1998, Colchester were promoted to Division Two via the play-offs and remained at that level until promotion to The Championship in 2006.

However, they failed to gain a foothold at the higher level and were relegated in 2008, having finished bottom.

Leaving Layer Road

The same year they played their last game at Layer Road ahead of a move to the new Colchester Community Stadium.

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