Perry Groves is adamant that Colchester United will retain their League One status this season.

And the former U’s star says the future looks bright for his old club under manager Joe Dunne.

Colchester head to play-off chasing Peterborough United tonight, hoping to ease their relegation fears.

They lie three points above the bottom four, with seven games remaining.

But Groves - who played more than 150 times for the U’s between 1982 and 1986 before leaving for Arsenal - is sure that his ex-club will beat the drop.

Groves told the Daily Gazette: “I think they’ll definitely stay up this year, without a shadow of a doubt.

“And I think when they do that, they’ll flourish next season."

Groves has agreed to take part in the London to Amsterdam Cycle Challenge to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK, in June.

To sponsor Team Biker Groves on their cycle ride, visit www.justgiving.com/teams/talksport