COLCHESTER United new boy Alex Woodyard believes Danny and Nicky Cowley can get the very best out of him.

The 31-year-old is delighted to have been reunited with the U’s management duo, after joining on a one-year deal following his departure from York City.

Woodyard has plenty of experience of playing under the Cowleys before, having worked with them at Lincoln City, Braintree Town and Concord Rangers.

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The midfielder won both the National League title and the EFL Trophy with the Cowleys at Lincoln and says he cannot wait to play under them again.

Woodyard said: “I know Dan and Nick well and I know what they want.

“We spoke early doors and I got excited early on but I wasn’t 100 per cent it was going to happen.

“When it did happen, it was something I always wanted for the past few years and I’m really pleased to be back working with them.

“I think Dan and Nick know how to get the best out of me.

(Image: CU-FC.COM)

“They make the game very simple for myself and know exactly what my strengths and weaknesses are.

“They just say to me ‘go out there and get the ball back for the team’ for some more creative players.

“It’s something I’ll take on and I enjoy that.”

Woodyard is one of eight players to have signed for Colchester, this summer.

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The former Southend United youngster joins the U’s after his contract at National League side York City was cancelled by mutual consent.

“I made the decision to go to York and drop down into the Conference, last season on the basis of going there and trying to get promoted,” said Woodyard.

“There’s a lot going on at York and they’re a club which is going places but it’s good to be back in the Football League now and it’s somewhere where I feel like I’m capable of playing.

“I’m really pleased to have joined Colchester.

(Image: ALAN STUCKEY)

“I’ve obviously played there many a time and it’s a great club with a lovely stadium and lovely training facilities.

“The lads have been really good and I already know a number of the players.

“It’s perfect really, the location, the club and back working with Dan and Nick.

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“It feels that I can really have a great season.

“It’s good to come in and get a full pre-season.

“I’ve lacked that base in pre-season over the last couple of years, so I’m really grateful that I was able to get it done, sooner rather than later.”