Chris Porter says the prospect of playing League One football again will make pre-season a more enjoyable experience for Colchester United’s players.

The U’s squad report for their second day of training today, as their preparations for the 2015-16 campaign get underway in earnest.

Tony Humes and his team are gearing up for an eighth successive year in the third tier, following their dramatic final-day escape last season.

And striker Porter believes the fact that they are building for another shot at League One will boost the U’s players, ahead of the big kick-off on August 8.

Porter said: “It's good to be back - and it’s all the better to be going back as a League One player.

“I think the type of team we’ve got is much better suited to this division.

“League Two becomes more of a battle - there are strong, physical players in that division whereas we’re more of a technical side.

“Some good teams have come down from the Championship and there are always some good teams who have been promoted from League Two.

“But we showed against the likes of Preston and Bristol City last season that we can beat anyone in the division.

“We just need a bit more consistency and I think if we can get that, we can do well.

“The home record wasn’t great last season but it’s not been too bad in my time at the club, especially in the final few games of the season.

“Our first game is at home against Blackpool and we’ll be looking to get off to a good start.

“Hopefully, Blackpool won’t have too much of a settled side at that point and we can take advantage of that.

“I’m looking forward to my first pre-season with Colchester.

“I know all of the players already and it’s always good to go back to somewhere where you know all of the management.”

Colchester’s summer signings Richard Brindley and Matthew Briggs will both report for pre-season duty with their new club today.

“It’s good to bring in players that we know and I think they’re great additions,” added Porter.

“Both of them were with us at the end of last season and both showed good quality.

“They were two positions that needed to be strengthened, having lost players in those areas.”

For all of the latest Colchester United news, including a full page of pictures of the U's first day of pre-season, see Thursday's Daily Gazette.