COLCHESTER United start their 2007/08 campaign with a scheduled visit to Sheffield United, who were relegated from the Premiership last season.The Blades are still hoping to retain their top division place through the courts after irregularities at West Ham that saw the London club handed a £5.

COLCHESTER United start their 2007/08 campaign with a scheduled visit to Sheffield United, who were relegated from the Premiership last season.

The Blades are still hoping to retain their top division place through the courts after irregularities at West Ham that saw the London club handed a £5.5million fine.

The U's first home game is against Barnsley on August 18, and they have an attractive home Boxing Day fixture with Southampton. They travel to Charlton on New Year's Day.

Colchester visit Portman Road on Tuesday October 23 and with the return fixture against their neighbours at Layer Road on Saturday April 5.