Former U’s defender Alan White has backed the club to do well in their quest for promotion next season.

White, 33, has just re-joined Luton Town from Darlington and believes Colchester have what it takes to bounce back at the second attempt.

White told the Gazette: “I’m sure they’ll do well.

“After a wobbly start to the season where it looked like they might get dragged into the relegation mire, they turned things around with some excellent results in the second half of the season, especially away from home.

“And if they can find some consistency at the new stadium too, I’m sure the play-offs are on the cards.”

U's Player of the Year in 2004, White was surprisingly released by the club that summer after four seasons. However, he is still held in high regard by the fans and remembers the time fondly.

“I loved it there. I only moved away a couple of years ago and I’ve still got a lot of friends in the town,” he said. “I always keep an eye out for their results, it’s just unfortunate the opportunity to come back has never arisen, as I definitely would have taken it.”

The six foot centre-back, who was out of contract at the Quakers, is now looking forward to getting stuck in at Luton, having just inked a two-year deal.

White is no stranger to Kenilworth Road either, having made 93 league and cup appearances for the club between 1997 and 2000.

A lot of has changed since then, though, and following relegation to the Blue Square Premier last season, he is relishing the chance to help them get back in the Football League at the first time of asking.

White’s former club Darlington went into administration and were deducted ten points in February. The Coca-Cola League Two side made the majority of their players available on free transfers, while many of their backroom staff have left.

White said: “Like several other players, I got fed up with all the uncertainty at Darlington.

“The administrators wanted to effectively shut the club down for the summer and I was told if anyone came in for me, I was free to leave. Luton looked like a great challenge to me – I’ve only got a few years left now so it would be great to get a promotion medal under my belt.

“Even though we got relegated there’s a strange optimism here.

“We won the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and I think the points farce of last season has brought the fans closer to the club than ever. It’ll be great to start afresh this season.”

White is unsure whether the club will have a chance to defend the trophy or not yet, though.

He said: “Hopefully common sense will prevail with the powers that be, and we’ll have a chance to play in it.”

White, who also had spells at Leyton Orient, Boston United and Notts County, will be continuing the U’s connection at the Hatters, with former midfielder Kevin Watson and assistant manager Mick Harford forming the managerial team there.

“They were both at the U’s after my time, but Kev’s a great lad, I can remember playing against him and we’ve got plenty of mutual friends in the game, too.”

Never one to shirk a tackle and with almost 400 appearances under his belt, White will add valuable experience to the Hatters backline.

“I enjoyed my first spell at the club but I was just a kid back then. I feel I’ve got a lot more to offer this time around.”