Sam Walker has revealed he was always destined to return to Colchester United.

The young goalkeeper is back at the U’s, after signing for them on loan from Chelsea until January.

Walker made a big impact during his first loan spell at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, last season.

The 21-year-old played a vital role in helping Joe Dunne’s side preserve their League One status.

And now Walker is confident Colchester can put last season behind them and enjoy a much better campaign, this time around.

Walker said: “It’s very pleasing to be back at Colchester.

“It was one of those things that was always going to happen and it was a case of when, rather than if.

Towards the end of last season, the manager at Colchester laid out what he was planning to do and I really liked what I heard.

“I had it in my head early on that I was happy to come back.

“I love the club, it’s staff and the people there and the fans are great.

“Since I’ve come back, there’s been a really good vibe about the place - there’s a great buzz and excitement.

“We got ourselves out of trouble last season but I could definitely see what we’re capable of.

“I think you could see what we could do by some of our performances and we’ve added some great signings.”

Walker, who played 19 games for Colchester while on loan there last season, had originally planned to link-up with the U’s at the start of pre-season.

But the appointment of Jose Mourinho in the Stamford Bridge hot seat delayed proceedings, with the new Chelsea manager wanting to sign a new back-up to first-choice shot-stopper Petr Cech.

“The plan was originally for me to come to pre-season with Colchester,” said Walker, who confirmed that he had interest from Championship teams for his services.

“But I got the call from Chelsea to hold fire until he got in who he wanted, which I was completely fine with.

“The manager wanted to bring in his own number two goalkeeper and they signed Mark Schwarzer.”

Walker has become the second Chelsea loanee to sign for Colchester this summer, following the arrival of defender Daniel Pappoe earlier this month.

The pair played in the same Blues side that won the FA Youth Cup, in 2010.

Walker added: “I know Daniel - he’s a good guy and a very good signing for Colchester.

“I played in the same team as him in Chelsea when we had our run in the FA Youth Cup and Daniel played just in front of me, so I know him well.”