John Ward wants to leave a legacy at Colchester United.

And while achieving promotion this season is high on the agenda of the U’s boss, so too is the club’s long-term future.

Colchester continue their npower League One promotion challenge tomorrow when they travel to play Bristol Rovers.

Manager Ward is keen to see his side put pressure on the teams in the automatic promotion places.

However, he also stressed he is in constant dialogue with U’s chairman Robbie Cowling over the best way forward for the club.

Ward said: “I’m not a fool - I know that we have to get first-team results.

“Robbie isn’t a fool either but we think there’s an opportunity to talk about the long-term.

“I’m his third manager in a short space of time and Robbie would like to stabilise the club.

“We’re also talking about the future of Colchester United in the next four or five years.

“I’m not sitting on my laurels but I would hope - as and when I leave here - there will be a legacy left."

For all of the latest Colchester United news, including interviews with Ward, Howard Wilkinson and Kayode Odejayi, see Friday's Gazette.