Aaron Barnes says director of football Tony Humes sold him the Colchester United ‘plan and project’ after linking up with his new team-mates for the first time.

The 21-year-old full-back initially joined the U’s from Charlton Athletic for an undisclosed fee on deadline day after agreeing an 18-month deal, last January.

But he immediately went out on loan to National League outfit, Torquay United.

Barnes has been training with his new Colchester team-mates at Florence Park this week, following the completion of the Gulls’ campaign.

And while some players might be thinking of a well-earned rest at this time of year, the former Addicks youngster has earmarked a summer of hard work as he looks to establish himself in John McGreal’s starting line-up next season.

Barnes told the Daily Gazette: “I want to impress the fans and stamp my position in the team.

“Now it’s a case of getting my own off-season project started as early as possible and come back for pre-season training in tip-top condition.

“It’s good to familiarise myself with the club and it would have possibly been nice to have been involved on the final day of the season for Colchester, especially with the game being back down in Devon!

“But I don’t think I’m eligible to play, as I’ve already played for two clubs this season.

“Colchester is a club that I’ve always admired.

“I actually had the chance to join them a few years back and I’ve always been aware of some of the people who work at the club.

“I spoke to Tony Humes more than anyone when I signed for Colchester.

“He was the one who brought me in and he was a very important factor in me coming to Colchester.

“He really sold the plan and the project to me.

“I’ve played there before and I really like the ethos of the club.

“It seems like Charlton in that’s a family club where there are opportunities for young players to progress.

“I’ve known Courtney Senior since his Brentford days and he’s a perfect example of that.

“I knew he was a quality player both now and for the future.

“He’s broken into the first team line-up this season and I hope to do something similar.”

Barnes, who featured in all three of Charlton’s Checkatrade Trophy group games this season, made 15 appearances during his temporary spell at Torquay, having previously been on loan there prior to signing for Colchester.

“When I signed back in January, it was a funny scenario and it all happened so quickly,” said Barnes, who can play in midfield as well as full-back or wing-back.

“I got the green light to go in on deadline day for the medical and then travelled all the way back to Torquay.

“It was a very quick turnaround and a very hectic time.

“But being at Torquay was a great learning curve for me and the experience I had there playing men’s football on a regular basis was really good.”