Big, Big Sides In L1 Next Season

Paul Lambert has urged Colchester fans to remember that there are "big, big clubs" in League One next season as they go for promotion.

Norwich, Southampton and Charlton, all former Premier League sides, have joined the roster for potential promotion. The division already contains Leeds United and 2004 F.A. Cup finalists Millwill.

In a recent edition of the Colchester Gazette, the boss said: "I want the lads to thrive on the big games that we play and take it on. You have to remember that the teams that come down from the Championship are big, big clubs. Whether or not we`re going to be up there, we will have to wait and see.

"That will depend on finances but the club cannot give out the same sort of money as it did in the Championship - those days have gone."

Lambert has been very vocal about the fact that Colchester will not have the luxury of an extravagant budget next term, always insisting that he will be pleased to work with what is available.

He also persuaded ex-Manchester United trainee David Fox to sign on the promise that the club would try their damndest
to become champions next season.

"We have to step it back but what I do expect is a work-rate from people. I had that last year and if we can keep our away form and keep winning games at home, then we will be round about where we want to be."

Colchester won promotion to the Championship for the first time in 2006.

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