Striker Kris Lee has returned to Heybridge Swifts following an unsuccessful attempt to earn a contract with Nationwide League Division Two club Cambridge United.

Lee, 23, was informed by U's boss John Beck he was being released after a summer spent training at the Abbey Stadium.

Lee said: "It's just one of those things. I played in a reserve game on Tuesday night, and was told the next morning they weren't taking me on, but will keep an eye on me over the next year.

"It's disappointing but it's been good experience. I'll bounce back and hopefully go back to banging in the goals for Heybridge.

"I've got a year left on my contract, and I have to get myself back in the shop window and maybe get another crack at a professional career."

Lee's loss is Heybridge's gain, and Swifts' boss Steve Dowman said: "It's a big disappointment for Kris, but there are other clubs interested in him.

From a personal point of view, it's great to have a proven goalscorer like Kris in the squad."

Lee was quickly back in the black and white stripes as he played in Swifts' 2-1 win away to neighbours Tiptree United on Saturday.

Dowman added: "He looks very fit but it's going to take him a while to get back to a normal life after all that has gone on."

Dowman is still hoping to secure the signature of Simon Parker when he returns from coaching in the United States in September.

Heybridge on Saturday host Farnborough Town in the Ryman League Charity Shield.

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