Summer recruit, Harry Pell, sees ones of his main roles at his new club Colchester United as helping to “see games out,” in the traditional No. 8 position.

East Anglian Daily Times: Harry Pell, who stands at 6ft 4ins, in action during pre-season against Millwall. Picture: STEVE WALLERHarry Pell, who stands at 6ft 4ins, in action during pre-season against Millwall. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

Pell is set to make his competitive debut in a U’s shirt at Notts County this afternoon, at the beginning of a quest which will hopefully end in promotion to the third tier.

The central midfielder Pell is relishing a fresh challenge with the U’s, following his move from League Two rivals Cheltenham Town at the start of the summer, for an undisclosed six-figure fee, and his lofty ambitions match that of the Essex club.

Pell recognises the talent already present in John McGreal’s squad, but the 26-year-old will hope to add some bite and steel to ensure that winning positions are not squandered.

“I am here for one reason, and one reason only – to play at a higher level,” insisted Pell.

“And that’s because Colchester are also ambitious.

“I’m happy with the players that the club has brought in. The strength in depth is fantastic, with two or three players for each position, which is very important. It’s something I have never really experienced before.

“Now it’s over to us, the players.

“I think I’ve been brought in to add experience, as has Frank (Nouble), to help see games out, and guide some of the younger players.

“The gaffer (McGreal) says I need to dominate games. I’ve always be known to be a very fit lad, but that can be a negative because I have also been pushed out wide and also played up front for Cheltenham at times.

“But the gaffer says that I will literally be playing as a No. 8 at Colchester.

“The first game will be a good test. We want to go to Notts County to try and win and make a statement. They are probably favourites for the title, but we go there with confidence behind us. We all think we are capable of achieving something this season.”

Of his move back to Essex, Tilbury-born Pell said: “I was happy to get the deal done really early, to get me and the family settled. I already had a property in Thurrock, near Lakeside, so this move has been perfect for me.

“But it was a tough decision, because I never felt as though I needed to leave Cheltenham. I had a year left on my contract and this was the second time that Colchester had come in for me.”