COLCHESTER United new-boy Harry Pell is backing his side to make a "real statement" at much-fancied Notts County tomorrow.

The big-spending Magpies are already being tipped as one of the favourites for the League Two crown.

This weekend’s curtain-raiser therefore represents the toughest of starts but Pell insists the U’s can cause an upset and bring three points back to north Essex.

“It’s going to be a great test and it’s a chance to go there and make a real statement – to send out a bit of a message,” said the former Cheltenham Town midfielder, who became Colchester’s first summer signing when arriving in early May.

“It’ll be hard because they’re probably favourites for the league but our confidence levels are high.

“We’ve had a great pre-season and while we’re not getting carried away, we’ll go there looking to cause a bit of an upset.

“We believe we can achieve something this season with the squad we’ve got and the way we know we can play.

“There’s no reason to doubt that and I’m really looking forward to the test of seeing where we are, against one of the favourites.”

Tilbury-born Pell, who signed a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee, has already caught the eye in pre-season and is relishing the challenge of becoming a key figure in Colchester’s midfield.

“I was really happy to get the deal done nice and early, so I could move my family here and get settled,” said the 26-year-old, who already had a property in Thurrock.

“It was a tough decision because I never felt I needed or wanted to leave Cheltenham.

“I had a year left on my contract but just felt now might be the right time to try and kick on.

“Colchester are an ambitious club and I’m here for one reason and one reason only – to play at a high level.

“The gaffer has told me that my job is to dominate games.

“I see myself as quite a fit lad. I can get around the pitch but that was sometimes a negative for me, because I’d get pushed out wide and even had a little stint up front.

“That’s a bit different for me and although I scored a few goals from out wide, it was nice to hear the gaffer say I’d be playing like a number eight.

“It was music to my ears.”