It has been a hugely disappointing season for Colchester United after the club suffered relegation into League Two. They had been struggling for a few seasons and flirted with relegation before finally succumbing to the drop.
Manager John McGreal is busy making plans for next season and has now unveiled his retained list for the coming season. A total of nine will be leaving, whilst seven have been offered new deals.
Firstly, lets touch upon those that have been allowed to move on by former Burnley and Ipswich Town centre back McGreal. There are a few high-profile names amongst the nine but those individuals haven’t necessarily played regular football in the season gone by.
25-year-old midfielder Joe Edwards exits having starting 40 of their 46 League One matches last season. He ends his one season stop at the club, having signed on a free transfer following his release by Yeovil Town.
The likes of Darren Ambrose, Nicky Shorey, Marvin Sordell and Elliott Parish are all names which will be familiar to most. None of them could play a consistent part in the season, although they did enjoy runs in the side at various points. Parish played the most out of all of those in question, starting just over half of their league games.
Also leaving is full back Tosin Olufemi, Marley Andrews, Kieran Bailey and Tyler Brampton.
Two regular starters have been offered new deals in the hope that they will stay. Those are highly-rated central midfielder Alex Gilbey, who has attracted interest from higher league clubs and also centre back Tom Eastman. Drey Wright, Femi Akinwande, Dillon Barnes, Jack Curtis and Jamie Harney have all been offered extensions as well.
