ALL seven of Colchester United's planned pre-season fixtures for this summer will be away from home, to allow preparations to be finalised for use of the new Community Stadium in time for the new campaign.

Carl Marston

ALL seven of Colchester United's planned pre-season fixtures for this summer will be away from home, to allow preparations to be finalised for use of the new Community Stadium in time for the new campaign. It has already been confirmed that the U's will be given an away game for the opening day of the season, with the Carling Cup first round fixture also likely to be played on the road, unless arrangements are made to stage a home tie elsewhere, perhaps at Ipswich Town.

The U's most eye-catching pre-season game is at Championship side Norwich City on Saturday, August 2 (kick-off 5pm). Geraint Williams' men suffered a 5-1 defeat at Carrow Road last March.

U's full programme of pre-season fixtures: Saturday, July 19: Heybridge Swifts (away, 3pm). Tuesday, July 22: Woking (away, 7.45pm). Wednesday, July 23: Chelmsford City (away, 7.45pm). Saturday, July 26: Dagenham & Redbridge (away, 3pm). Tuesday, July 29: Luton Town (away, 7.45pm). Wednesday, July 30: Bromley (away, 7.45pm). Saturday, August 2: Norwich City (away, 5pm).