COLCHESTER United begin their pre-season friendly schedule, tomorrow night.

The U's head to Billericay Town - managed by former U's favourite Kevin Watson - as they kick-off their preparations for the new League Two season in earnest.

It is a new start for Colchester this summer, following their struggles and battle against relegation last season.

Hayden Mullins has taken charge of the U's on a permanent basis as head coach, following his successful interim spell in the final eight games of the last campaign.

He will be assisted by former Kilmarnock boss Alex Dyer, while the club have made seven new signings ahead of the new 2021-22 campaign,

Freddie Sears, Frank Nouble, Luke Chambers, Cole Skuse, Alan Judge, Cameron Coxe and Luke Hannant have all been brought in, adding plenty of experience to the squad.

And the likes of Ben Stevenson, Harry Pell, Jevani Brown and Tom Lapslie have all moved on to pastures new.

Colchester have a varied pre-season friendly programme in the coming weeks with a variety of different opponents to pit their wits against, ranging from Premier League to Isthmian League.

Here are the U's pre-season games ahead of their League Two curtain-raiser at Carlisle United, on August 7.

BILLERICAY TOWN - away - July 13 - kick-off 7.30pm

WATFORD - away (behind closed doors at Watford's training ground) - July 17 - kick-off TBC

EBBSFLEET UNITED - away - July 20 - kick-off 7pm

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR - home - July 21 - kick-off 7.45pm

GILLINGHAM - home - July 24 - kick-off 1pm

IPSWICH TOWN - home - July 27 - kick-off 5.30pm/7.45pm

WEALDSTONE - away - July 31 - kick-off 3pm