'New beginning' for Colchester, says boss Cowley

Danny Cowley's former clubs includr Lincoln, Huddersfield and Portsmouth

Boss Danny Cowley has promised a "new Colchester United" this season following last season's struggles in League Two.

Cowley and brother Nicky, his assistant, were appointed in January but could only steer the U's to a 22nd-place finish - just three points above the relegation places.

Since then they have transformed the squad with 11 signings, including new captain Tom Flanagan, ex-Nottingham forest striker Lyle Taylor and former Lincoln midfielder Teddy Bishop, who only arrived on Wednesday.

"We've got a lot of players that like to win, that want to win, that expect to win and for Nicky and I, our lives are a lot better when we do win," Cowley told BBC Essex Sport.

Cowley said there had been more change to the playing squad than they anticipated at the beginning of the summer transfer window.

"I think it's been helpful with our recruitment that we've brought some players in that we've worked with before, we already know them as people," he explained.

"Also, when you have some good foundations, this makes it much easier to transition new players into the group."

Colchester start the new season away to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

"This is a new beginning, a new Colchester United," said Cowley.

"We're not going to shout from the rooftops what we want to achieve, I don't think that is necessary. but we are determined, we are really focused.

"We like goals that are process-oriented because that is something we can control and just the idea of waking up every morning and trying to be better than yesterday, I really like this as a goal.

"That's what we've tried to instil into the players and that's what we're trying to move towards."