DMITRI Halajko believes Colchester United and their supporters have plenty of reason for optimism ahead of this weekend’s big kick-off.

It has been a busy summer for the U’s, with ten new signings coming in and a host of players departing.

Danny and Nicky Cowley have been shaping their squad to challenge in League Two, after four successive seasons of struggle for the club in the fourth tier.

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Colchester begin their new campaign with a trip to play AFC Wimbledon this weekend and sporting director Halajko feels there is cause to be upbeat.

Halajko said: “I think there’s plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

“We’ve got good managers, we’re building a squad, our form at the back end of last season – our performances were probably even better than our results.

“If we can convert more of the performances into results, we’d have definitely finished further up the table than we did.

“We’re as optimistic as the fans.

“We think we’re going to progress, we think we’re going to improve and I think it’s getting to that time in pre-season now where everyone really wants it to get going.”

(Image: NEWSQUEST)

Colchester have brought experienced players such as Lyle Taylor, Jack Payne and Alex Woodyard this summer, all of whom have previously played under the Cowleys at other clubs.

The U’s have also snapped up youngsters like Alfie Bendle and JK Gordon, as they look to challenge at the right end of League Two.

“We’ve got a real nice blend of youth and experience,” added Halajko.

“The squad is building and we’re building that identity that Danny and Nicky want to progress us.

“We always wanted to be active, in this window.

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“We want to try and shape the team and the identity of the manager – that’s really important.

“To do that in any window, there’s going to be players that move out and players that move in.

“We’re fortunate enough to have got some really good deals for the players we’ve sold as well.

“That’s helped fund others coming in and that’s an important part of how the business model is run.

“We’ve managed to reinvest that in the squad and bring in ten players.”