Former Colchester United winger Perry Groves has backed his old club to reach the League Two play-offs, this season.

Groves, who emerged through the Layer Road ranks before making a big money switch to Arsenal in 1986, believes the U’s are in good hands under the management of head coach John McGreal.

And although he feels Colchester are heading into the new campaign this weekend in something of a transitional state, the ex-winger says there is a lot to be positive about at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Groves said: “There’s a bit of transition at Colchester at the moment.

“The loss of Chris Porter up top will have a massive effect.

“They’ve taken a young lad, Mikael Mandron, from Wigan who is a big, imposing centre-forward so I’m excited to see what he can do.

“(Chairman) Robbie Cowling places a lot of emphasis on the youth set-up and they have a state of the art facility at Florence Park.

“They had horrendous injuries last season but in John McGreal, they’ve got a good manager and they should get into the play-offs, next season.

“Luke Prosser was vitally missed last season.

“It’s a young team that needs some experienced heads to compete and the return of Prosser will help bring that experience back in, he’ll be a new signing. “You’ve also got Tom Eastman who has come up through the ranks and Sam Walker, who is one of the best goalkeepers in League Two.

“I have no idea how he’s not been poached by a bigger club.”

Groves, who made more than 150 league appearances for Colchester during his six seasons playing for the first team, says in his experience, the U’s supporters demand maximum effort from the team in every match.

“The fans who I speak to love seeing players from the academy come through and push on in the first team,” added Groves, who twice won the league title during his time at Arsenal.

“As long as the team gives its all, the fans will take some technical deficiencies – they want 100 per cent commitment and heart in every game.”

For more from Perry Groves including his views on Arsenal and the Premier League, visit https://sports.bwin.com/en/news/football-betting/perry-groves,130939.html