WIVENHOE TOWN boss Mo Osman says there is a “good vibe” in his squad as the club prepare for their opening Thurlow Nunn League fixture.

The Dragons bowed out of the FA Cup at Takeley on Saturday but are now getting ready for their first premier division match, at home to Ipswich Wanderers tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

Osman has had a busy summer, rebuilding and moulding his new-look squad, with various players coming and going during the close season.

The most high-profile departures have been Adam Hampson and Jamie Baker, both to Halstead Town.

Joe Davis and Ben Connell have decided they cannot commit to step five football anymore but those to have signed include former Harwich and Parkeston full-back Ryan Munson and ex-Gas Recreation defender Jay Barker.

Jack Sharnock has joined from Halstead and scored in Saturday’s cup tie while Ryan McGibbon, Jake Egner, Charlie Hayes and Luke Watts have all moved over from Stanway Rovers.

Goalkeeper Liam Daniels is also back for a second spell.

“It’s a clean slate and a fresh start,” said an upbeat Osman.

“It’s been a busy summer, rebuilding and moulding the squad, but a large chunk of last season’s group have re-signed, which is pleasing.

“There’s a good vibe in the squad and those that have joined have brought fresh hope and optimism.

“Sometimes it’s good to freshen things up a bit - assuming they’re the right players with the right attitude, as these boys are - and it changes the atmosphere a bit.

“There’s good competition for places.

“The boys are pushing each other on and I even had to leave players out for Saturday’s FA Cup tie.

“We’ve told the boys they’ll all play a part over the course of the season and even in the next couple of weeks we’ve got a lot of fixtures, which means we’ll need to use our squad.

“We’re by no means the finished article but as the group get more used to playing together, they’ll get better and better and I can see us improving as the season goes on.”

Romanian Dorin Brat is poised to make his debut in tonight’s match.

The centre-half is moving to Colchester from Crawley and looks set to start in place of the injured Jake Shurvington.