U's boss Geraint Williams will be planning for League One football next season

Chief executive Marie Partner has vowed that relegated Colchester will make an immediate return to the Championship.

The club were relegated to League One because Barnsley beat Watford and fellow strugglers Sheffield Wednesday and Leicester will play each other.

"We are doing what we can to make sure we've got every chance for an immediate return," Partner told the club website.

"There will be a lot of people hurting. We may be down now but there are a lot of positive things going on."

606: DEBATE Will Colchester bounce back?

She added: "As disappointed as we all are we now have to kick on with what we've been doing over the past six months, which is to step up our planning and preparation to ensure we get back up there as soon as possible.

"I am sure that the players will look to instil faith in the fans with some positive results in the final games, in order to encourage them to stick with us and be part of our hopes and dreams for next season and beyond."

Colchester have the worst defensive record in the Championship, having conceded 76 goals.