Freddie Sears will relish playing against his old club West Ham United tomorrow, according to U’s boss John Ward.


Sears is set to take on his former team-mates just days after quitting Upton Park to join Colchester United on a three-year deal earlier this month.


The 22-year-old spent a decade at West Ham having progressed through the youth ranks there and made more than 50 first-team appearances for the Hammers.

And ahead of the U’s prestigious friendly against the Premier League new boys at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, manager Ward believes Sears will rise to the occasion.


Ward said: “I’m sure Freddie will be looking forward to playing against his old team and catching up with a few friends.


“He scored again against Vitesse Arnhem, to follow up his two goals against Heybridge Swifts last weekend.


“It’s always good for forwards to get on the scoresheet, no matter which game it is.”


Colchester are expecting a bumper crowd for the visit of West Ham, which is the first of their three pre-season home friendlies this summer.


A crowd of more than 7,000 is anticipated at the Community Stadium for the friendly, which kicks off at 3pm.

See Monday's Gazette for a report, reaction and pictures from the U's game against the Hammers.