John Ward has vowed to give all of his players the chance to earn a place in his new-look U’s side.

Colchester United play their first pre-season friendly of the summer tomorrow when they travel to play Heybridge Swifts.

The U’s are hoping to field around 20 outfield players over the course of the game at Scraley Road (kick-off 3pm).

Summer signings Freddie Sears and Marcus Bean are expected to feature for the U’s against Swifts.

And with the likes of Ben Williams, Magnus Okuonghae and Kayode Odejayi having left for pastures new, U’s boss Ward wants his players to stake a claim for a place in his starting line-up for their League One curtain-raiser at Preston North End, on August 18.

Ward said: “There are no given or fixed ideas from me about what my team is going to be at Preston.

“Pre-season is a vital period for these players.

“They were given programmes during the summer and everyone wants to be pushing for the first team.

“I’m hoping to get as many out on the pitch at Heybridge as I can tomorrow.”

For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, see Friday's Gazette.