ARTHUR Read believes Colchester United can be a force again at the right end of League Two, next season.

But the newly-crowned U’s Player of the Season feels big changes need to be made on and off the pitch for them to become promotion contenders.

Colchester have experienced a season of struggle again in the fourth tier, only securing their Football League status on the final day of the season.

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The U’s are hoping for a better time of it in the 2024-25 campaign under Danny and Nicky Cowley and midfielder Read says they must aspire for better things.

Read told BBC Essex: “We have to strive towards the top end of the table, next season – we definitely don’t want to be in a relegation battle again.

“Since I came to Colchester, they’ve said to all the new boys twice I think that it’s going to be at the top of the league and again we’re at the bottom.

“Things need to change I think, on and off the pitch.

“There needs to be some big changes for that to happen but I’m sure with the people in charge, it can be made possible.

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“The Cowleys are super positive people, motivational people and they want the best for everyone.

“I’m sure they’ll bring a lot of success, next season.

“The fans have really stuck with us, more towards the end when the Cowleys have come in.

“They played a big part when we needed them and hopefully, it’ll be a more successful season, next year.”

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Read has enjoyed an outstanding season for Colchester, leading to him being named their Player of the Season.

“It’s been a good season, on a personal level,” said the 24-year-old, who made 46 league and cup appearances for the U’s this season, scoring five times.

“To stay fit and be consistent was really important.

“When I came here, I wanted to kick on when I came here and become a more important player.

“At Stevenage, I was kind of in and out but to come here and be a main player was important for me.”

Gazette: Arthur Read

Read helped Colchester secure their Football League status last Saturday, following their 1-1 with play-off bound Crewe Alexandra.

Read added: “It’s been a long and stressful season.

“To get it done on the last day was interesting but it was a massive day.

“We were solid which we haven’t been enough, this season.

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“We should have got three points really.

“It was annoying to concede that late goal but towards the end, both teams knew the situation and I think we were both happy with it in the end really.

“It was a weird situation to be honest but it made a lot of sense really for both of us to let each other have the ball and get what we both want.”