COLCHESTER United interim head coach Wayne Brown says he has been 'open and honest' with those players who currently find themselves out of his squad.

The addition of ten new signings in last month's transfer window had increased competition for places within the U's squad.

As a result, a number of players who had regularly been included in Colchester's starting line-up earlier this season currently find themselves out of favour.

Luke Hannant, Armando Dobra and Miles Welch-Hayes have all found themselves on the sidelines, over recent games.

And long-serving defender Tom Eastman (pictured below) was left out of the U's 18 for the 2-1 defeat at the hands of Hartlepool United, on Tuesday night.

Brown says he understands any frustration those players who have been omitted have been feeling.

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However, he insists that all of the club's players remain in contention to be involved in the matchday squad.

Brown said: “Everyone is in contention including those who haven’t been in the 18 lately and competition for places is a good thing.

“Not only that but we’ve also got quality in each area.

“There’s obviously going to be disappointment and frustration from lads who aren’t in the starting XI or 18.

“I get that, because I’ve been there before.

“But the only way that I can work is to be open and honest with every individual, explain the reasons why they’re not in the XI and try and keep as many on board as you can, because they’re going to be needed.

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“Coxy (Cameron Coxe, pictured above) is a perfect example of that.

“He’s been out in the cold, he’s played 23s football to keep his fitness up and he was first class against Hartlepool.

“That’s what we need throughout the squad, whether you’re a goalkeeper, midfielder, centre forward or a defender.

“We need that from all the squad and we’re in this together.

“That’s the only way we’re going to be OK.

“We’ll assess where people are but ultimately, we’ve got a really good squad now.

“We’ve got pretty much a fully fit squad apart from Clamps and there’s competition for places.

“I’m all about equality and opportunity and if you go into games and you do all you can and perform to the highest standards you can, you keep the shirt.

“If you let those standards drop below par, which a few of them did to be fair against Northampton, there’s somebody that wants your shirt.

“The lads know that if they don’t perform, then there’s someone to take their shirt."

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Colchester welcomed striker John Akinde (pictured above) back to their starting line-up against Hartlepool, after he had missed their previous four games due to Covid-19.

The experienced forward played 60 minutes in the 2-1 defeat and Brown says it was good to have him back.

“John was good and he gives another dimension and a threat," added Brown.

“It was good to get 60 minutes out of John, out of his bout of illness.

“The amount of opportunities that we’re creating is really pleasing.

“We need to take that forwards into the next game and for the rest of the season."