MIDFIELD ace Johnnie Jackson has insisted Colchester United will be able to cope with the break-up of last season's successful team.

This summer, the U's have lost key players in Jamie Cureton, Chris Iwelumo, Richard Garcia and Wayne Brown from the squad that enjoyed such a fine first season in the Coca-Cola Championship.

However, Colchester boss Geraint Williams has been active in the transfer market, bringing in six new players, with the prospect of more to follow.

And Jackson, about to begin his second full season at Layer Road, is sure the squad will be able to enjoy another fine season in the second tier of English football.

He told the Gazette: "We've lost people but they have all been adequately replaced and we look like we've got a good balance.

"We've a good enough squad to do well and it's not been that unsettling.

"Players come and go in football all of the time and that's the nature of the game.

"I'm sure other players will come in and do a good job for us."