Lambert has been handed the reins of the Us following the recent sacking of Geraint Williams, having left his previous club, Wycombe Wanderers, at the end of last season.
"I had a terrific time at Wycombe. I loved it, but there is always a time to move on," he said.
"I know all about Colchester and their dramatic rise up the league, at a great rate of knots. The last manager did terrifically well, but now it's a new start.
"There's a great group of players here. I've had them watched in the last three games, although I didn't go to the matches myself, because I didn't want to put any pressure on anyone.
"They have done well under Kit Symons, but the home record has been a little bit of a problem."