Don't even whisper the word relegation within earshot of Colchester United favourite Ross Johnson.

"The word doesn't exist in our dressing room," said the powerful central defender.

And as he warmed up for tomorrow's (Satuday's) vital Division Two top-eight clash with second placed Brighton and Hove Albion - the club he grew up with - Ross pointed out: "We're looking more towards the top of the table.

"The way the lads are playing there's no way we will be flirting with relegation as we have in other seasons.

"I can't believe the confidence currently running throughout the team and the energy that is coming out of the squad. I'm so glad to be part of it."

This is a big season for the 24-year-old Brighton-born defender, who embarked on his professional football career as an apprentice with his home town team in the early nineties.

A late starter with the U's for the second season running because of injury - he only played his first League game in the 2-0 home win over Reading 21 days ago - Ross's major aim now is to play for a new contract.

"My current deal expires at the end of the season," he said. "I would love to stay on at Colchester.

"Steve Whitton signed me from Brighton nearly two years ago and it's great playing for a manager who I know likes me.

"Furthermore, I feel very settled in Colchester and I like it here."

But life hasn't always been so sweet for the talented Johnson, who made his League debut at Brighton's old Goldstone Ground against Reading as a 17-year-old.

He went on to play almost 150 League and cup games, before turning his back on Albion after almost eight years to team up with the U's in January 2000.

But after making an immediate impact in his first half-season, life turned very sour for him and unfortunate pre-season injuries cost Ross a big chunk of the last two seasons.

"It was so frustrating at times," he said. "And there were times when I didn't feel part of the squad at all.

"All the other lads would go off to training and I would be left behind to do what training I could on my own.

"I couldn't wait to get back into action around Christmas time last season and it was very much the same when I got my chance this season against Reading.

"I've come into the side and taken my chances and my aim is to consolidate my place in the side now."

In fact Ross is so happy with life in Colchester, he and team-mates Alan White, Thomas Pinault and Kevin Rapley have just embarked on a 30-hour computer course in their spare time at Colchester Institute.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.