The Alex are without a game this weekend due to FA Cup Second Round ties, with Crewe losing in Round One to Cheltenham, & the team’s next first team fixture is on Saturday 10 December against Crawley at Gresty Road.

Steve said: “Some of the players definitely need a bit of a brain rest, rather than a physical rest. They now have the opportunity for some down time & then we’ll get them mentally focussed again in the build up to the Crawley game.

“Of course that physical rest will help too, It gives us a chance to get three of the lads [Ray, Bingham, Bakayogo] back fit, which we should have available in a couple of weeks time.

“That strengthens the squad of course & gives me more options, & if we can be in that situation over the next two weeks where everybody is available, then it makes us a little bit stronger with more to pick from.

“It was a bad day for us at Colchester, we’re very disappointed with the outcome & we must do better.”