Aidy Boothroyd has pledged to give every Colchester United player the chance to impress him over the coming weeks.

The newly-appointed U’s manager has inherited a squad which currently lies fifth in the Coca-Cola League One table.

However, several of the club’s players found themselves out of favour under previous boss, Paul Lambert.

The likes of Matt Lockwood, Matt Heath and John White all found themselves frozen out under Lambert.

But Boothroyd has said he will give everyone a squad number at the U’s, upon officially taking over yesterday.

And the 38-year-old has promised to give each individual the opportunity to play their way into his plans.

Boothroyd said: “Every single player here has something to bring to the party.

“I’m not here to denigrate other managers and what they do is up to them.

“We will see how we go.

“It’s a long season and you have to treat people how you find them – respect goes both ways.

“Injuries and suspensions are part and parcel of football and we will need those guys.

“The guys who are left out should not feel sorry for themselves – I don’t want that.

“I have one or two ideas on how we can improve but there’s goals in the team.”

For more on the Boothroyd appointment, see today's Gazette.