Ben Garner has warned Swindon Town his Colchester United side are ready to "hit the ground running" in Saturday's League Two curtain-raiser.

The fixture computer has pitched Town against the man who left the County Ground just over a year ago on the first day of the 2023/24 season.

Garner arrived at Colchester via an ill-fated spell at Charlton Athletic and after guiding the U's to EFL safety in the spring, is confident they will pose a real test for Town at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Mike Flynn will be overseeing his first competitive game at the Town helm in the away dugout.

At his pre-match press conference Garner told the Daily Gazette in Colchester: “We’re pretty much on track, which is where you want to be going in.

Swindon Advertiser: Ben Garner became Swindon's manager in the summer of 2021.Ben Garner became Swindon's manager in the summer of 2021.

“We’re really pleased with what the players have done and the commitment that they’ve shown to what we’re doing.

“We’re optimistic now, going into the league campaign.”

Garner was encouraged by Colchester's performances in pre-season friendlies with League One sides Peterborough United and Leyton Orient.

“It’s been a really pleasing pre-season overall as a package, if you like from day one and the first week going out to Spain through until now,” added Garner.

“We’re really pleased with what the players have done and the commitment that they’ve shown to what we’re doing.

“You sort of map it out at the start on how you want it to be and how you envisage it to be and we’re not a million miles away from that.”

“It’s into the proper stuff now and that’s what counts,” he added.

Swindon Advertiser: Garner departed Swindon to join Charlton Athletic in the summer of 2022.Garner departed Swindon to join Charlton Athletic in the summer of 2022. (Image: PA)

“We want to hit the ground running – hopefully we can get a good crowd in on Saturday and start on the front foot against Swindon and then we’ll push from there.”

Garner left Town in the summer of 2022 after just one season in charge in which he led the club to the EFL League Two play-offs.

The 43-year-old joined League One side Charlton Athletic with high hopes of succeeding at the higher level.

Swindon Advertiser: Garner spent just the one season in charge of Town.Garner spent just the one season in charge of Town.

Despite suffering just three defeats in his opening 15 league games with the Addicks, Garner was sacked in December.

He joined current side Colchester in March and guided them to a 20th placed finish last season, narrowly avoiding relegation from the Football League.

Saturday's match kicks off at 3pm.