COLCHESTER United’s future is in safe hands - as proven by their championship-winning young guns.

That’s the view of proud head of youth Tony Humes, reflecting on the club’s Youth Alliance South East League success.

The U’s youngsters gained the point they needed to cement top spot after drawing 1-1 at home to Wimbledon on Saturday.

It highlights the pool of talent and, with starlets having already graduated into the first team, Humes believes the club - and its supporters - have every reason to be optimistic.

“Winning the title is a great achievement, for the academy and for the club in general,” said the former Ipswich Town defender.

“It’s been a fantastic season and the success is testimony to the hard work of all the players, coaches and staff.

“The club’s philosophy is to produce young talent and there are lots of players coming through.

“It’s exciting, but there wouldn’t be any point having a development programme if there wasn’t an opportunity at the end of it.

“The system we have is a pathway from youth-team level right through to the first team.

“That’s what we can offer and it’s a big selling point in terms of our recruitment programme.

“The test for the players is whether they can go that far, but they’re certainly at a club where they’ve got every chance.”