Two players were missing when Colchester United's footballers reported back to Layer Road for pre-season training yesterday (Monday).

Striker Steve McGavin and midfielder-cum-defender Aaron Skelton were both absent.

But there was better news concerning the U's two other out-of-contract players, Gavin Johnson and Joe Keith.

Keith, who will be operating initially on a monthly contract was training today, as was Johnson, whose agent is currently in negotions involving a new deal for the player with U's boss Steve Whitton.

Neither Skelton nor McGavin could be contacted today and it is unknown where their futures lie.

Speculation linking both players with a number of clubs has been rife, but as yet neither of them has put pen to paper for anyone.

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