Colchester United boss Danny Cowley on transfer window deals

However, the U's head coach has praised chairman Robbie Cowling for supporting them in their pursuit of new signings.

The window closed last night, with Colchester having made a total of 14 additions.

READ MORE: Danny Cowley aims to return to winning ways at Accrington

Colchester signed forward Anthony Scully on loan from Portsmouth and midfielder Jamie McDonnell on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest, just before the window closed.

The U's had earlier brought in Aaron Donnelly, Tom Flanagan, Ben Goodliffe, Rob Hunt, Alex Woodyard, Jack Payne, Teddy Bishop, Harry Anderson, JK Gordon, Alfie Bendle, Matt Macey and Lyle Taylor, in the summer transfer window.

A number of players have also departed the JobServe Community Stadium, including striker Bradley Ihionvien, who left to join Peterborough United on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee late last night.

Last season's skipper Connor Hall, Noah Chilvers, Jayden Fevrier and Jay Mingi also left the U's, earlier this summer.

Cowley said: “It’s been an important summer for the club and it’s not been an easy window.

“We’ve been really well supported by Robbie and everyone.

(Image: Richard Blaxall)

“When you finish 22nd in League Two, you always anticipate that you’re going to have a lot to do.

“We didn’t quite expect as much to do as we have.

“There was interest in our players and the likes of Jay Mingi, Jayden Fevrier, Noah Chilvers and Connor Hall have all moved on for significant money, which has helped us rebuild this new squad.

“It’s a new squad, it’s a new team and there’s a lot of new relationships that are growing by the day.

READ MORE: Colchester have mixed injury news ahead of Accrington test

“For us, it’s really exciting and I’ve lived enough football dressing rooms to know what good one looks like and I can feel when you have a good group together.

“We’re pretty sure we’re going to be a good team and a successful team and we’re looking forward to the journey ahead."