Richard Brindley reckons Colchester United have the right manager in John McGreal to push for the League Two play-offs this season.

The U’s lie two points off the top-seven positions following their 2-0 win against Cheltenham Town yesterday.

McGreal has been nominated for the League Two manager of the month award for December, having guided his side to 19 points from a possible 21.

Colchester have now gone seven matches unbeaten and ahead of their home match against fellow promotion-hopefuls Carlisle United on Saturday, wing-back Brindley feels things are looking good for them in the second half of the season.

Brindley said: “What we’re focusing on now is play-offs and promotion because we have the team and the right manager.

“Everything is correct - and that doesn’t mean past managers weren’t correct - but it feels like everything is clicking now.

“That’s how football is and we have to make the most of it.”

Brindley found his opportunities limited under former U’s boss Kevin Keen last season but has been a regular starter under McGreal, in this campaign.

“There have been many transitions last year with managers changing,” said the former Rotherham United defender.

“Last season wasn’t a great one for myself with injuries and managers coming in and out but this season has been brilliant for me.

“I feel I’m playing well and that’s all I want to do.

“I’m enjoying my football right now so I can’t complain.

“It’s difficult for any player having managers coming in and out.

“Things didn’t work out last year and results didn’t come that we should have been getting with the players we had.

“That was frustrating but we’ve put that behind us now.”

Brindley says he has relished playing as a right wing-back for Colchester, following their change to a 3-5-2 formation in November.

He has been outstanding in the role over recent weeks and has played his part in their excellent defensive record, which has seen them concede just three goals in seven matches in League Two.

Brindley added: “The formation has been very good for us and the back three look very strong.

“The stats show that teams are finding it very hard to break us down and it’s a massive plus for us.”

Meanwhile, U’s boss McGreal says he is pleased that goals are coming from different players within the squad.

Brennan Dickenson scored Colchester's second goal in their 2-0 win over Cheltenham and is now the club's joint leading scorer with Chris Porter, with both players having netted seven goals apiece.

McGreal said: “If you look at our goalscorers, we haven’t got an out and out front-runner as such but they’re chipping in with goals across the board which is really pleasing.”