Ward delighted to keep O'Toole at U's (From Essex County Standard)

Ward delighted to keep O'Toole at U's

10:16am Friday 8th June 2012 in Sport By Jonathan Waldron

John Ward believes keeping John-Joe O’Toole at Colchester United could be one of his biggest signings of the summer.

The tenacious midfielder, who was out of contract at the U’s, has penned a two-year deal at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

O’Toole, 23, managed just eight starts for Colchester in League One, following an injury-disrupted 2011-12 season.

But U’s boss Ward confirmed the former Watford youngster will be an integral part of his squad for the forthcoming campaign.

Ward said: “John-Joe is a big signing for us and I’ve said to him that the best is yet to come.

“The fact that I’ve signed him shows how integral he is to my plans for next season.

“He’s only 23 and there’s a heck of a lot to come from him."

For the full story, see Friday's Daily Gazette.