George Moncur wants to be his own man during his time at Colchester United.

The 20-year-old has arrived on a six-month loan deal from West Ham United, following a productive pre-season with the U’s.

Moncur represents the latest generation of his family to have made their way into the professional game.

Dad John played top-class football for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham, in addition to spells with Ipswich Town and Swindon.

Moncur junior is hugely proud of their achievements and his family’s name in the game.

However, the midfielder is determined to make an impact in his own right - continuing with the next six months at Colchester.

“Dad has been brilliant,” said Moncur, who has signed on loan from West Ham until January.

“He’s talking to me all the time and because he played at the top level, I listen to and respect everything he says.

“He’s always honest, which I appreciate, even if that means him saying things that I might not necessarily want to hear.

“I’d much rather that than someone constantly patting me on the back saying ‘well done’.

“I’m proud of my family name in the game but it’s also important to me to have my own career.

“I’m 21 now and not a youngster, so it’s important that I’m my own person.”

For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including a three-page preview of the U's opening-day game against Oldham, see Friday's Daily Gazette.