The players that are regularly part of the U23s
Colchester United's U23s squads have a core of players who are involved in most of the 29 league games during the course of the season.As U21s manager, John McGreal will also be able to name up to three overage players in any given squad, whilst others will step up from the U18s as the season goes on.
Goalkeeper who joined the U's in August 2015 after a successful trial. The young shot stopper had previously been with Fulham in their Academy, before playing for Barnet and Bedford. He'll now be looking to make the most of another chance at league level. GOALKEEPERS
Dillon Barnes
James Bransgrove
Goalkeeper who spent time with Brentford before joining the U's U18s team. A regular between the sticks in the double winning season of 2013/14, James also holds international aspirations, having been called up to a number of Scotland U20s training camps.
DEFENDERS
Michael O'Donoghue
Tough tackling left back who loves to maraud forwards and provide an attacking threat. Michael was a regular at left back for the U18s in their double winning season and has also been on the first team substitutes' bench a number of times.
An arrival in the summer of 2016 from Barnet after impressing on trial. Brendan is a pacey right back who fits well into the U's style of play. Brendan Ocran
Former Norwich City academy player who joined the U's after impressing with nearby Maldon & Tiptree in the 2015/16 season. Ben will now be hoping to make the most of his chance with the U's. Ben Wyatt
Young centre half who can also play at right back or in the holding midfield role. Cameron has made great strides in the development squad and was rewarded with a first team debut at the end of the 2015/16 season. Cameron James
Ball playing centre half who joined the U's after impressing on trial. Previously at Millwall, Dexter had also been with the U's neighbours Chelmsford City before earning his deal with Colchester United. Dexter Peter
Central defender who originally joined the U's on loan from West Ham before making the move permanent in January 2015. Uncompromising defender who will put everything on the line to win the ball. Jamie Harney
MIDFIELDERS
Jack Curtis
Former Southampton midfielder, who joined the U's in the summer of 2015 after impressing in a pre-season trial with the club. An all action, dynamic midfielder, Chris will be hoping to make his first team breakthrough with the U's. Chris Regis
Tricky midfielder who likes to play in behind the forwards and has a good eye for goal himself. Jack's performances last season for the U18s and his early season form in 2014/15 saw him called up to the senior squad in August and he'll be aiming for more of the same in the coming months.
All action midfielder who gets from box to box and grabs a goal or two, too. Callum is the 2014/15 U18s captain, but is also expected to be a regular in the U21s during the course of the season. Signed a two year Development Contract to extend his stay with the U's. Callum Harrison
FORWARDS
DEFENDERS
Michael O'Donoghue
Tough tackling left back who loves to maraud forwards and provide an attacking threat. Michael was a regular at left back for the U18s in their double winning season and has also been on the first team substitutes' bench a number of times.
An arrival in the summer of 2016 from Barnet after impressing on trial. Brendan is a pacey right back who fits well into the U's style of play. Brendan Ocran
Former Norwich City academy player who joined the U's after impressing with nearby Maldon & Tiptree in the 2015/16 season. Ben will now be hoping to make the most of his chance with the U's. Ben Wyatt
Young centre half who can also play at right back or in the holding midfield role. Cameron has made great strides in the development squad and was rewarded with a first team debut at the end of the 2015/16 season. Cameron James
Ball playing centre half who joined the U's after impressing on trial. Previously at Millwall, Dexter had also been with the U's neighbours Chelmsford City before earning his deal with Colchester United. Dexter Peter
Central defender who originally joined the U's on loan from West Ham before making the move permanent in January 2015. Uncompromising defender who will put everything on the line to win the ball. Jamie Harney
MIDFIELDERS
Jack Curtis
Former Southampton midfielder, who joined the U's in the summer of 2015 after impressing in a pre-season trial with the club. An all action, dynamic midfielder, Chris will be hoping to make his first team breakthrough with the U's. Chris Regis
Tricky midfielder who likes to play in behind the forwards and has a good eye for goal himself. Jack's performances last season for the U18s and his early season form in 2014/15 saw him called up to the senior squad in August and he'll be aiming for more of the same in the coming months.
All action midfielder who gets from box to box and grabs a goal or two, too. Callum is the 2014/15 U18s captain, but is also expected to be a regular in the U21s during the course of the season. Signed a two year Development Contract to extend his stay with the U's. Callum Harrison
FORWARDS
Tricky front man who provides valuable assists for his team-mates. Tariq has been a regular for the development squad in his time at the club so far and will be aiming to make his first team breakthrough.Tariq Issa
Creative forward who manage to score on a regular basis. His performances have already seen him play for the U's first team and he will be an important player for the U23s this season. Louis Dunne
Attacking winger/forward who joined the U's after impressing on trial during pre-season. Charley spent his formative years with Premier League side Everton and will now be hoping to break through to the U's first team. Charley Edge
Creative forward who manage to score on a regular basis. His performances have already seen him play for the U's first team and he will be an important player for the U23s this season. Louis Dunne
Attacking winger/forward who joined the U's after impressing on trial during pre-season. Charley spent his formative years with Premier League side Everton and will now be hoping to break through to the U's first team. Charley Edge