Former U’s assistant manager Micky Adams is surprised that his former club have struggled to make an impact in Coca-Cola League One this season.

Adams spent nearly six months at Colchester United last season, working as number two to former boss Geraint Williams.

Now manager of Brighton and Hove Albion, Adams is set to take on Colchester for the first time since leaving them earlier this year, when the two clubs meet at the Withdean Stadium on Boxing Day.

But he admitted he fully expected to be facing a U’s side perched in the top half of the table.

Adams said: “I felt Colchester would be up there.

“They were bitterly disappointed to lose their place in the Championship and the nucleus of the squad was very good, so I am really surprised to see them languishing where they are.

“But, as I keep saying, there is a long way to go this season.”