COLCHESTER United's players reported back for duty on the first day of pre-season today.

The U's first-team squad took part in fitness drills at the club's Indoor Dome at Warrior's Rest in Tiptree, under the watchful eye of head coach John McGreal and assistant manager Steve Ball.

Colchester are gearing up to their first game of the new League Two season which sees them host Port Vale at the JobServe Community Stadium, on August 3.

Their first friendly of the summer is at Isthmian League Premier side Bowers and Pitsea on Friday, July 5.

The Gazette was on hand to capture the action, as the U's pre-season preparations started in earnest.