The Essex derby is back – and that is great news for Colchester United.

That is the view of U’s general manager Tim Waddington, after their county rivals Southend United won promotion to League One.

Colchester will take on Blues in the league next season for the first time since the 2009-10 campaign, after Phil Brown’s side beat Wycombe Wanderers on penalties in a dramatic League Two Play-Off Final at Wembley.

Former U’s favourite John White captained Southend to victory over the Chairboys, after the final had finished 1-1 after extra-time.

The last time Colchester locked swords with Southend at the Weston Homes Community Stadium was back in 2010, in a game that was watched by a bumper crowd of more than 6,500.

And with next season’s much-anticipated fixtures between the two clubs sure to attract a big turnout and sizeable gate revenue, Waddington says the return of the Essex derby can only be good for the U’s.

Waddington said: “Football’s tribal and the best encounters are often the derbies.

“There’s some pretty intense rivalry between the two clubs and we’re sure to see a couple of cracking games.

“It’s bound to be a lively atmosphere both at the Weston Homes Community Stadium and Roots Hall.

“I anticipate a big gate at the Weston Homes Community Stadium and I know our fans will rise to the occasion.

“We saw against Preston what a force our support can be and how the team reacted to that support, so I can’t wait – bring on the new season!”

The new League One fixtures for next season are due to be released on June 17.

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.