Colchester United manager Tony Humes says he is still to decide who his captain will be next season.

The U’s are set to appoint a new skipper following the summer departures of Magnus Okuonghae and David Fox.

Chris Porter, Alex Gilbey and new signing Joe Edwards have all worn the armband for Colchester so far in pre-season.

And George Elokobi - who returned to the U’s for a second spell earlier this month - is also a leading candidate to lead the U’s in League One.

Humes said: “The captaincy is still something to be decided.

“I think the main thing was for us to add that experience which is invaluable.

“We saw last season that when we added that experience we were stronger and more organised.”

Colchester continue their pre-season programme with a trip to play Conference South side Bishop’s Stortford tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

The U’s have so far fielded different sides in each half of their opening two friendlies against Brentwood Town and Heybridge Swifts.

But Colchester are likely to stick with the same team for an hour against Stortford, before making changes for the final half hour.

They will adopt the same approach in their home friendly against West Ham United next Tuesday, with the aim of ensuring all of their squad gain valuable match practice.

Meanwhile, Humes says that places are up for grabs for the U’s opening game of the season against Blackpool, on August 8.

“You’re always looking at what your best XI is but you want people to change your mind,” said the U’s boss.

“The players are working their socks off and trying to do the right things, so that’s all you can ask of them.

“The starting line-up against Blackpool is likely to be what forces itself, over the next few weeks.

“I’m very pleased so far - we’ve scored 12 goals and haven’t conceded yet.

“We’re now going into the tougher games and Bishop’s Stortford will be a tougher test.

“Then we have West Ham and whatever side they put out, it’s going to be competitive opposition.

“All of the games we’ve had and the ones we’ve got coming up are going to test us in different ways, whether it’s fitness, quality or different style of play.

“The players are learning from it week in, week out and adapting it to be ready for the season.”

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