COLCHESTER United skipper David Fox admits his side have to “raise the bar” next season.

The U’s avoided relegation on the final day of the campaign, surviving by the skin of their teeth after pipping Preston 1-0.

It was the first time the club – written off by many – had clambered outside the bottom four since February.

And Fox says he and his team-mates must ensure there are no repeats next term.

“We need to set the bar a lot higher,” said the 31-year-old.

“Everything’s in place here and it’s a fantastic ground, with great facilities.

“It’s been difficult because I think we lost the crowd for a large part of the season.

“However, in the last few weeks we’ve really given them something to cheer about – not just in terms of results but getting our tackles in, winning headers and playing with pace and style.

“We’ve played a brand of football that people want to come and see. When everyone’s together, it really makes a big difference.

“We’ve produced some poor performances here and that’s got to change.

“Our home form has to be better, if we’re to achieve anything, and hopefully we can do that.”

The U’s ended their campaign on a real high, losing just twice in their last ten fixtures and unbeaten in their final four.

Fox was delighted by his team’s gutsy effort and hailed last weekend’s performance, especially, as “miraculous”.

“The desire and effort from the boys, to pull ourselves clear of danger, was nothing short of miraculous,” said the former Norwich City midfielder.

“We’ve taken some batterings this season and it’s been really difficult to pick the boys up at times.

“Obviously, the belief isn’t going to be there if you’re being turned over all the time.

“But everyone’s really stuck together, especially in the last month and a half. The players were different class and thoroughly deserved to stay up.

“When it really mattered, we dug in.

“It was a heroic performance and in the last two games we deserved six points. The lads were delighted.”

Last weekend could have ended in tears, rather than cheers, had things not gone so well last week.

In different circumstances, the shell-shocked U’s could have dropped down into League Two.

Fox knows there is a fine line but said the elation of staying up epitomised why he and his team-mates wanted to get into professional football.

“Feelings like this are why we do it,” he said.

“It’s not ideal to be in danger of going down on the last day, obviously, but we’ve achieved something we didn’t think anyone else would achieve.

“I’m very proud of the players.

“Preston also had something to play for, so there was pressure on both teams, not just us.

“That made it a difficult game to play in and both sides were a little nervy.

“But we pulled together and I was delighted.”