HARRY Pell has revealed missing the final three months of Colchester United’s season was his ‘worst time in football’.

But the popular midfielder has vowed to return fully fit for the start of pre-season and help the U’s launch another bid for League Two promotion.

Pell had made a big impact in his first year at Colchester before his campaign was cruelly cut short by a hamstring injury suffered against his former club Cheltenham Town, in February.

The 27-year-old was left to watch powerlessly from the sidelines as John McGreal’s side narrowly missed out on the play-offs and admits it was a frustrating experience.

Pell told the Gazette: “It’s been my worst time in football.

“I’ve not had to deal with something like this before.

“The worst thing was that when results went against us, I couldn’t do anything about it.

“I felt I could have had an impact in those games, had I been on the pitch.

“I still feel that I have a lot of unfinished business to do, when I get back.”

Pell is currently on the road to recovery and is facing a summer of hard work, as he bids to return for the start of next season.

The former AFC Wimbledon player has been attending the London-based Isokinetic sports injury physio and rehab clinic, as he slowly returns to fitness.

He will also spend time at the St George’s Park, the FA’s national football centre in Staffordshire, thanks to the Professional Footballers Association, as part of his continued rehabilitation.

“I must say a big thank you to the chairman (Robbie Cowling) for funding my treatment at Isokinetic, two times a week,” said Pell, who made 34 appearances for Colchester during his first season at the club, scoring seven times.

“It’s a bit like St George’s Park but a bit closer to home.

“All of the boys will be off on their holidays but this summer will be one of hard work for me.

“I’ve never had a pre-season like this in my career before but I know how important it is.

“The plan is to be back for the first day of pre-season.

“The surgery went well – I’m really happy with how the operation went.

“It was done by the same person who has treated Michail Antonio in the past and he’s the best in England.

“I’ve had a check-up since then and it seems very strong.”