As we mentioned in our last edition of U's Review, there has been a strong local element to the construction of the new community stadium being built in the north of Colchester.

Construction firm Barr have been keen to provide a very local feel to the project for the 10,000 all-seater facility, the build of which will finish in July of next year.

And, with many of the sub-contracts being given out to local firms, there was always going to be a good chance that some loyal Colchester United fans would find themselves working on the job.

One of the brickies on site is Rob Cross, who would no doubt be a familiar face to many U's fans both in the Layer Road Family Enclosure and on the team's journeys around the rest of the country in the Championship.

Rob can often be seen at U's matches armed with his drum, providing a rallying call to his fellow supporters. But, more recently, he has swapped his drumstick for a trowel as part of the BuildSeek team, managed by Bert Hunt, who have been sub-contracted to do that crucial work at Cuckoo Farm.

And, currently working daily on site, he admits to being impressed by the way that the new stadium is taking shape.

He said: "My first impression of the stadium when I first walked in from the corner between the West stand and the South was 'Wow, this is a lot bigger than thought it might be!'.

"Even the Ipswich supporter with me was surprised what it was like.

"I have been really impressed after perhaps having been worried about what it was going to be like."

Now nearly five months into the build, the Cuckoo Farm project has been gaining acclaim from across the political spectrum, with Liberal Democrat MP calling it a 'landmark building', whilst the local Labour Party councillors also believed it to be a facility to be proud of.

And pride seems to be a recurring theme with regards to the new stadium - the Barr staff have said much the same and Rob admitted that the rest of the brickies are glad to be part of such an important project.

He added: "It is a stadium that we will be proud of and a lot of the brickies are pleased to be working on a piece of Colchester history.

"Having had an insight into what is going on at the stadium, it is pleasing to see what is going where and that I honestly feel that all Colchester United supporters will not be disappointed.

"I have done a lot of the 'setting out' in the East Stand and the facilities that are going to be available for the supporters sitting on that side are really good. Everyone has said that it is going to be very impressive and I definitely agree.

"I must admit it is an absolute dream job for me and I am very proud to be a part of the building of our new stadium."