Colchester United have been continuing the job of offering new contracts to players this week.

A number of U’s players will have their current deals expiring at the end of this season and the club are looking to make sure they keep those members of staff they want to take it forward on the pitch.

Manager John Ward said he had “four or five” offers to be passed on to players, who would then be able to discuss the deals with chairman Robbie Cowling.

Ward didn’t reveal who the offers had been made to, but he said: “I have letters on my desk for a number of people that will be passed on to players. I have sat down with the chairman and the letters will now go to the players.

“The chairman will make the offers and discuss those and any further observations by players or their agents will go to the chairman.”

Meanwhile, Ward said his search for a loan striker wouldn’t be fulfilled ahead of tomorrow’s game, but he was still hunting for someone to improve the squad.

See the Essex County Standard this week for more on this story, all the latest news and exclusive views on the U's.