Colchester United new boy Richard Brindley has revealed he has already started his pre-season in a bid to hit the ground running in the forthcoming campaign.

Brindley, who joined the U’s on a two-year deal last week, wants to report back for training later this month in tip-top shape having experienced a stop-start season, last year.

The 22-year-old made eight appearances for Tony Humes’ side at the end of last term, having joined them on loan from Rotherham United.

But prior to that, the attacking right-back had spent time on the sidelines, having fallen down the pecking order at the Championship club.

Brindley told the Daily Gazette: “I’ve started my pre-season already.

“The end of the season came too quickly for me.

“I had eight games on the trot and I didn’t want it to end.

“I want to get back into it and I want to be the best I can and be as fit as I can be.

“I’m very much looking forward to the new season.”

Brindley was only on the losing side twice during his loan spell at Colchester, helping them preserve their League One status.

The former Chelmsford City defender believes that the U’s can produce a much-improved showing, in the 2015-16 season.

He added: “I’m confident that next season will be a better one for Colchester.

“When I first joined on loan, I don’t think they deserved to be in the position they were.

“I think it showed at the end of the season that this is a good bunch of lads to be with.”

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.