Gavin Massey believes Colchester United have the attacking weaponry to unlock any defence in League One for the coming season.

Flying winger Massey is refreshingly confident, both as a player and as a person. He is always upbeat off the pitch, and always positive on it.

The ex-Watford 20-year-old enjoyed a good season last term, despite the U’s overall struggles – Joe Dunne’s men only avoided relegation on the final day of the season, thanks to a 2-0 win at Carlisle.

Now Massey is predicting a far better start to this season, for the attack-minded U’s, beginning with this Saturday’s League One opener at newly-promoted Gillingham.

“I don’t want to sound over-confident, but I think we can do really well this season,” enthused Massey last night.

“I was happy with my own form last season, but we were always playing catch-up after a bad start.

“Now the manager (Dunne) can start on a level playing field, and he has put together a very exciting squad.

“It’s a very attack-minded system and I think we can unlock any opposing defence this season.

“I’m going to keep quiet, about what we think we can achieve, but we want to be picking up points early on, rather than being on the back foot,” added Massey.

Tricky wide-man Massey played 41 games last season, and contributed six goals, including three in his last nine outings at Coventry (2-2 draw), against Leyton Orient (2-1 win) and a crucial one in the final day victory at Carlisle.

He has continued in that rich scoring vein over the summer, by bagging a couple of pre-season goals against Bishop’s Stortford and Needham Market.

The return of the Arsenal loanee duo of Craig Eastmond and Sanchez Watt, both on permanent deals, plus the capture of Jabo Ibehre on a long-term contract, have particularly excited Massey.

“To get all three back for the new season is fantastic,” enthused Massey.

“Those three made such a big difference, when the gaffer first brought them to the club.

“It’s full steam ahead now. We are all fit and ready, and pre-season has been very enjoyable. It’s been all-ball work, so we are in a positive frame of mind, even though Gillingham will feel they have nothing to lose this weekend.

“I think you could see what great team spirit we had last season, to see us through.

“And personally, I want to kick on and score a few more goals this season.”