Colchester United utility man Aaron Skelton has turned his back on Luton Town and re-signed for the U's.

Skelton told the Gazette: "I have had a few chats with manager Steve Whitton and I have agreed to stay with Colchester.

The former Kenilworth Road apprentice has agreed a new one year deal to stay at Colchester which he will rubber stamp within the next few days.

"Luton boss Lennie Lawrence kept telling me that he wanted to sign me, but was keeping me hanging on because he wants to sign a goalkeeper first.

"But it appears that the right kind of keeper is not available and I wasn't prepared to keep hanging on through the summer until one comes along."

Skelton, who played a key defensive role in maintaining the U's Second Division status last season after breaking back into the side early in the New Year following a serious injury, said he is very happy to "sign again for Colchester."

He added: "I get on great with all the lads and I have no problems at all with the club. I have been very happy at Layer Road for the past three years and I thoroughly enjoyed myself last season once a found a bit of form and fitness.

"But it is always flattering to know another club is interested in signing you and when that club is your home town team I was always going to listen to what Luton were going to offer me."

Skelton's reaction was clearly very encouraging for U's boss Whitton.

He said: "It's great news. If Skelts says he's happy to stay at Layer Road, I'm more than happy to have him. There is always going to be competition for places, but in re-signing for us Aaron knows he is in with a good chance of playing regular first-team football."

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