Kevin Maher is expecting a verbal volley from the Colchester fans this weekend as he prepares to face the U's for the first time since leaving rivals Southend.

Maher travelled north in the summer to join Athletic on a free transfer after spending ten years with the Shrimpers at Roots Hall - six of those as skipper.

 World TV: Maher previews trip south

The midfield man was sent off in a Championship game the last time he visited Colchester in 2006/07 - a decision he still contests.

But he's looking forward to returning to the south-east on Saturday as Latics look to consolidate their place atop League One.

"Being a ex-Southend player, I should get a good reception from the Colchester fans!," he joked.

"It was a local derby for us and we always tended to do quite well there, apart from the game I was sent off in.

"It's going to be a tough one because Colchester have added a bit to their squad, and they'll be expecting to be up there this season.

"But there's no reason why we can't carry on our run.  We had a little setback on Tuesday, but the way the games have gone it's looking like we're a side who will score plenty of goals.

"It's all looking good so far and there's no reason why we can't go there and win."