COLCHESTER United striker Clive Platt has revealed that Paul Lambert delivered some home truths to his new squad after taking over as manager earlier this month.

Stuart Watson

COLCHESTER United striker Clive Platt has revealed that Paul Lambert delivered some home truths to his new squad after taking over as manager earlier this month.

The U's will be chomping at the bit to get back on the pitch for tonight's game at Northampton Town after breaking their Western Homes hoodoo in style on Saturday, but Platt admits that the new-found confidence has only come after some stern words from their new Scotsman at the helm.

The 6ft 4in target man said: “The first thing he did when he came in was to question our work rate and question our desire to go and close people down and win the ball back.

“He told us we were good footballers but that we had to start doing the other side of the game as well.

“We have taken that on board and I think that is already paying dividends.”

The Lambert era, which started with a win at Stockport (2-1) and a narrowly defeat to Millwall (1-2), burst into life on Saturday when the U's hit an unanswered five past Carlisle.

Recording a win at their new stadium at the seventh time of asking, Colchester played with a freedom not previously afforded to them in the second half thanks to the three-goal cushion built up by the break.

And the Essex side deservedly rounded off a convincing score-line with goals in the 89th and 90th minutes.

“It's been a long time coming that home win,” said Platt, who was unfortunate not be on the score-sheet himself after seeing one effort cleared off the line.

“Like the gaffer said, we would have taken an ugly win, but to get it with such a good performance has left everyone more than happy.

“I was involved in the first couple of goals and I perhaps should have scored the one I put over the bar, but I'm just glad to be getting the chances.”

The 30-year-old has partnered both Steven Gillespie and Akanni-Sunday Wasiu in recent games after Lambert's decision to return to a 4-4-2 system following caretaker Kit Symon's 4-5-1 formation with Platt as a lone striker.

“I prefer 4-4-2,” said Platt. “It is the system I have played most in my career.

“Kit came in and saw something and saw something a little bit different and I was happy to play that role, but I do prefer 4-4-2. The manager wants me to get hold of the ball and bring people into the game.

“I just want to play well, keep my position in the team and try and influence the game in whatever way I can. It's definitely more about the success of the team than as me as an individual.”