DMITRI Halajko insists Danny Cowley has the biggest say in new signings - and believes bringing in players who have already worked under him can be a real advantage for Colchester United.

The U’s have so far brought in nine new players this summer, with four of them having previous experience of playing under the Cowleys at previous clubs.

Colchester sporting director Halajko says already knowing the character of new signings can be a big help, ahead of the upcoming League Two campaign.

READ MORE: John Akinde signs for National League side after U's exit

Halajko said: “The manager always has to have the biggest say.

“We never want to sign someone the manager doesn’t want – that’s just counter-productive.

“The managers know some of the players really well and that always gives you an inside knowledge that you wouldn’t always have so they know them as people, as characters which is sometimes a hard thing to gauge from afar.

“Sometimes, when you scout and recruit players the hardest bit to know is their character whereas someone who has worked with the players before knows the characters, in addition to the quality of what you see on the pitch.

“I think it’s a real advantage that they know what the players are like that we’ve brought in and also, they know how to get the best out of them.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

“The players that Danny and Nicky have brought in that they’ve already worked with will probably say they’ve played some of the best football of their careers under them and that’s why they wanted to come back and work with them again.

“Not only do we know a little bit more about them but they know a lot about Danny and Nicky and know that they can get the best out of them.”

Halajko says Simon Bassey has been a ‘big help’ to Colchester in their player recruitment drive.

READ MORE: Danny Cowley drops hint on future Colchester captain

Bassey, who has been friends with the Cowleys since their non-league days, has played his part in a number of the U’s summer deals including Lyle Taylor.

“Simon’s not a full-time head of recruitment but as a head scout, he’s out there watching lots of games,” added Halajko.

“He’s being some of our eyes and ears, out there on the ground.

“So, he’s been a big help so far and really helped us with some of the signings that we’ve made.

(Image: PA WIRE)

“We all chip in; Danny and Nicky are at games, I’m at games and we’re watching players.

“We’ll have a recruitment meeting probably once a week around a table, working out our strategy on who’s next, what’s next, which ones have fallen through, which ones have worked and which ones we can secure.

“It’s a team effort but Simon’s added some much-needed help on that.

“At the moment, he’s committed to helping us in this window and he’s been a great help – we haven’t really looked at anything past that.”