Tom Eastman committed his future to Colchester United for another two years – and then set his sights on achieving a first-ever promotion.

The 25-year-old centre-back, who has made more than 230 appearances for the U’s, has signed a new contract to remain at the Weston Homes Community Stadium until the summer of 2019.

Eastman says he did not consider leaving the club he has served since 2011 – and has vowed to do all he can to help Colchester return to League One.

Eastman said: “I always felt that I was going to sign the new contract and I was really happy to sign it.

“I had an option in my contract which Colchester United decided to take up.

“I’m looking forward to playing for the next two years here and hopefully get us back in League One.

“It’s nice to have that extra bit of security, especially with a young family at home to think about.

“I’m very settled here – it’s a lovely club with lovely facilities and a great stadium which is near my home, which is another positive!

“I would love to have a promotion with Colchester on my CV.

“We have a good squad and hopefully, we can do that this season.

“We have some key players coming back from injury and hopefully that will boost the team and get us those few extra points that we need.

“We had a good first season in League Two last year but this time, we have to be pushing for that top-three finish and if not that, then the play-offs.

“We have to build on what we did last season and come back stronger, this year.”

Eastman reported for the first day of pre-season training yesterday with the rest of the Colchester squad, ahead of the forthcoming 2017-18 campaign.

The Colchester-born defender, who is the club’s longest-serving current player, looking sharp when taking part in fitness testing at the club’s Warrior’s Rest indoor facility in Tiptree.

“I’m only 25 but I’ve now done around 12 pre-seasons, so it’s a case of going back to what I know really,” added the former Ipswich youngster.

“Lots of hard work and training hard and getting ready for that first game of the season.

“The ankle feels fine – I felt nothing over the off season which is positive and hopefully, I’m past that.”