COLCHESTER United are yet to make any new first-team signings this summer - but there is nevertheless plenty of work going on behind the scenes to reinforce their squad.

The U’s players are set to return for pre-season training in a few days’ time, as they begin their preparations for the new League Two campaign.

It promises to be an intense few weeks for Colchester’s players, as head coach Ben Garner looks to get his squad in tip-top shape ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

A trip to Spain for a pre-season training camp is coming up, ahead of the U’s first friendly of the summer at Pitching In Isthmian League division north side Maldon and Tiptree, on July 8.

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Garner stated at the end of last season that he would ideally like new bodies in the building prior to the first team reporting back for pre-season.

But at the same time, the U’s boss was philosophical enough to note that it doesn’t always work out like that; transfer dealings these days can often be long and protracted, with plenty of pitfalls along the way.

READ MORE: Could U's boss Ben Garner be reunited with keeper Jojo Wollacott?

Nevertheless, in the days preceding Garner taking his Charlton Athletic squad to Spain for a pre-season training camp this time last summer, signings had just been added or were about to be sealed.

Jojo Wollacott, Mandela Egbo and Eoghan O'Connell all linked up with the Addicks squad in Estepona after signing for the League One club and Garner will no doubt be keen for a similar scenario when he takes his U’s squad aboard, in a few days’ time.

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As much as they are important for fitness and conditioning ahead of a long, tough season, such trips are also vital for building togetherness within a squad and creating a bond between players which will serve them in good stead, for the battles to come.

Colchester are aiming to bring in a number of new players ahead of the big kick-off, on August 5.

READ MORE: Former U's defender signs deal with League Two side

Three experienced centre-backs have been released by Colchester this summer, leaving scope for them to strengthen in that crucial area.

With Luke Chambers, Tommy Smith and Tom Eastman all departing, the U’s are likely to want to add competition in that position.

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The departure of Kieran O’Hara, coupled with Tom Smith’s culmination of his loan spell, has left them needing to reinforce their goalkeeper options.

The U’s could also probably do with some left-sided defensive cover following Ryan Clampin’s release and Connor Wood’s return to parent club Leyton Orient upon the end of his loan spell.

READ MORE: Ryan Clampin has new club after U's release

And with Cole Skuse, Alan Judge and Emyr Huws all moving on, that has reduced Colchester’s overall level of experience in the central midfield area of the pitch, meaning the potential of additions in that position is high despite the blossoming partnership between Arthur Read and Ossama Ashley in the final weeks of last season.

But the number of senior departures at the end of last season does not necessarily mean Colchester require a plethora of new signings.

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According to transfermarkt.com, the U’s had the joint biggest squad in League Two last season with 29 players, along with Swindon Town and AFC Wimbledon.

The average age of their first-team squad was 26.6, suggesting that there was a decent blend of youth and experience by the end of the campaign, when taking into account January’s signings.

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Of course, much will depend on whether or not Colchester can keep hold of talented young players such as Junior Tchamadeu and Noah Chilvers.

But whatever happens, there promises to be plenty of new faces in the building by the time the U’s kick-off their new season in early August.