COLCHESTER United head coach Hayden Mullins says they are heading into the new season in positive mood after a productive pre-season.

The U’s are now preparing for the big kick-off, with their 2021-22 League Two campaign starting with a trip to play Carlisle United on Saturday.

Colchester have had a variety of tests over pre-season, facing Premier League duo Spurs and Watford, League One pair Ipswich Town and Gillingham and National League opposition in Wealdstone and Billericay Town.

They have added seven new signings, with the likes of Freddie Sears, Alan Judge and Luke Hannant (pictured below) all drafted in.

And with a brand new campaign almost upon them, boss Mullins says he has been encouraged by what he has seen.

Mullins said: “We’re happy with the way things have progressed, over the last few weeks.

“Most of the challenges we’ve had this pre-season have been tough ones.

“We’ve played Tottenham, the two Watford games, Ipswich and Gillingham – they’ve all been really good challenges for the group.

“I think the way we’ve dealt with them and the way we’ve gone about it has been excellent.

Gazette:

"I think every time we’ve come up against a different challenge, we’ve looked like a side who knows how to deal with it and impose ourselves a bit on the game, which has been a really big plus for us.

“We’ll go into the new season feeling positive – we’re happy with what we’re doing and we’re happy with the way that pre-season has gone.

“The most pleasing thing is that everyone has come through it, touch wood, with no injuries.

“We can really look at the Carlisle game, go there positive and try and get a result.”

Colchester start the season at Carlisle, before heading to Championship side Birmingham City next Tuesday (August 10) for a Carabao Cup first-round tie.

The U’s first home clash at the JobServe Community Stadium sees them host Northampton Town, on August 14.