Sean Murray says Colchester United’s players are more determined than ever to achieve their promotion goal, heading into the new season.

The U’s fell a point short of the play-offs in League Two last time around and have set their sights on a minimum top-seven finish ahead of the new campaign, which gets underway next weekend.

Colchester complete their pre-season friendly programme tonight when they host League One side Gillingham at the Weston Homes Community Stadium tonight (kick-off 7.30pm).

And midfielder Murray believes the disappointment of falling just short last time around will drive the U’s on, in the coming nine months.

Murray told the Daily Gazette: “I think there’s even more determination and desire among the players to make it into at least the play-offs, after finishing just a point off last season.

“We don’t want to leave it as tight as we did last season so hopefully, we can have a good start to the season and push on from there.

“The new players have come in and have settled in very well and I think we have our team now.

“For me personally, I’ve enjoyed my time here last season and I can’t wait to get going – I’m looking forward to it.

“I’ve set myself a target of scoring more goals, considering I didn’t score last season despite coming close a few times. I’d like to hopefully push higher up the pitch and create chances.”

Murray is one of a number of central midfielders hoping to seal a place in Colchester’s starting line-up for their League Two curtain-raiser at Accrington Stanley, on August 5.

The 23-year-old is preparing for his first full season as a U’s player, having arrived from Swindon Town in January.

“Players were injured last season and there wasn’t as much competition,” said the former Watford midfielder.

“Now there is meaning that every player needs to improve because if they have a bad game, there are players who are willing to go out there and fight for places and it’s only good for the team.”