ALEX Wynter insists Colchester United cannot afford to dwell on their relegation heartache of last season.

The U’s are gearing up for their first campaign in English football’s fourth tier since 1998, after dropping down from League One last season.

And they will be doing so under the guidance of a new boss, following the appointment of John McGreal as their first-team coach last May.

Colchester will tomorrow morning learn who their first opponents will be in League Two, with the Football League fixture list set to be announced for the 2016-17 season.

And ahead of the U’s players reporting back for pre-season testing next week, defender Wynter says the squad will be returning with renewed hope of a successful campaign.

Wynter told the Daily Gazette: “It’ll be a new season, new manager and a new league so it’s a brand new start.

“Hopefully, we can also just start afresh and go again.

“Over the summer, you’re always reflecting on things and ways that you can improve for the new season.

“It’s been a chance to reflect on last season but also look back on the positives.

“Relegation was the main negative of last season and it is a big negative.

“But you can’t dwell on those negatives; you have to move forward and look at the positives and we have to move forward.”

Wynter says he is looking forward to working with McGreal, after he succeeded Kevin Keen in the Weston Homes Community Stadium hot seat at the end of last season.

“I’ve worked with John when I’ve played under-21 games at Colchester,” said former Crystal Palace youngster Wynter.

“He’s always been around the scene here and I’m looking forward to the new season with him.”

Wynter penned a new two-year deal with Colchester last April, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2018.

The 22-year-old experienced a challenging season last year, after suffering a serious head injury in the U’s FA Cup defeat against Spurs last January.

However, he made three appearances towards the end of the previous campaign and made his 50th career start in Colchester’s 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Rochdale, on the final day of last season.

Wynter added: “I’m happy that I’m sorted for next season and the new season after.

“Hopefully, I can now focus on being ready for pre-season.”