PAUL Lambert is ready to revamp his Colchester United squad.

And the U’s boss has insisted he will not be held to ransom by greedy footballers, when the rebuilding process begins in earnest next week.

Lambert is set to bring in a host of fresh faces this summer, as he aims to trim his squad to 21 players for the forthcoming campaign.

He has already spoken to potential signings about them joining Colchester.

However, the U’s boss is alarmed by the financial demands some players are making.

Lambert is fully aware of the money Colchester have splashed out for new signings over the last two years.

And as he prepares his U’s side for their final game of the season at Yeovil tomorrow, he insisted he will not be bullied into paying over the odds for new players.

He said: “When the list comes out, there will be hundreds out there who want to earn a living.

“There will be loads of footballers out of work, as clubs have spent money that is no longer there.

“But I want those who are hungry and want to do well.

“In football in general, we have seen players going for absolute fortunes.

“But we will not be blighted by people being greedy.”

Lambert has a list of players he would like to bring to the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

While talent is high on the list of desirable qualities, a player’s character is also important, according to the U’s boss.

“The attitude of players is vital and you don’t want prima donnas,” said Lambert, who is eyeing permanent signings on one or two-year deals.

“The big clubs are up there because they have good players, but also because the work ethic is there.

“That is the way you get success.

“You see the way they play the game and while it is on a different scale to us, it still needs to be there.”

Lambert confirmed he is yet to receive any formal interest in his players.

Only two U’s players – Pat Baldwin and Mark Cousins – are out of contract this summer.

The Colchester boss will inform the U’s players of his intentions on Monday.

Lambert added: “I will tell them what I think.

“It’s all part of the job – there is no emotion attached to it.

“There’s no sentiment in football.

“The club has had two disappointing seasons.

“You have to change something and that’s what we will try and do.”