Colchester United boss Steve Whitton admitted he has almost given up hope of re-signing out-of-contract midfielder Aaron Skelton.

Whitton said today (Tuesday): "I spoke with Skelts yesterday and he told me to go through his agent.

"That's the procedure we have to go through. We make the player an offer and he comes back through his agent with his counter demands.

"Skelts always assured me he would let me know first of any moves, but I have to admit I'm not hopeful of getting him back to Layer Road. I think he already has another deal in the pipeline."

Whitton will, however, be meeting Port Vale midfielder Tommy Widdrington and his agent for talks on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the search for a centre-forward goes on, but with only Skelton and striker Steve McGavin of last season's squad missing from yesterday's return for pre-season training, Whitton is weighing up several options.

Mick Wadsworth, who quit as U's manager two years ago claiming he found it difficult to settle in the south, has joined new Southampton boss Stuart Gray after leaving his job as head coach to Newcastle boss Bobby Robson.

Grin and bear it - the U's players were put through their paces yesterday after their return to pre-season training. Ross Johnson, centre, appears to enjoy running more than Gavin Johnson, Kem Izzet, Jason Dozzell and Scott McGleish.

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