Welsh international Mark Bowen is set to become Colchester United manager Mick Wadsworth's first new signing for next season.

And there are exciting new moves afoot for seasoned Welsh dragon Geraint Williams and teenage youth team goalkeeper Andy Walker.

Wadsworth has lost no time in targeting Bowen - capped more than 40 times by Wales - to strengthen his second division squad less than 24 hours after the U's boss revealed he was releasing nine players.

The nine to go are - goalkeeper Tamer Fernandes; defenders Simon Betts, Joe Dunne, Scott Stamps, Nicky Haydon; midfielders Paul Abrahams, David Rainford, plus strikers Tony Lock and the veteran Tony Adcock.

None of the nine will be included in the U's line-up for the last game of the season at Blackpool.

The signs are good that 35-year-old Bowen, currently on Premier League Charlton Athletic's books, will be coming to Layer Road.

Wadsworth said today: "I am very keen to sign a quality, experienced senior player and Mark Bowen fits that bill well. Charlton have offered Mark terms for next season, but he wants to play first team football more regularly. That hasn't been happening for him lately.

"I am speaking with the player's agent and our discussions are going very well."

Bowen has a wealth of experience in the top divisions to match his international recognition.

The former Tottenham apprentice has more than 670 League and cup appearances under his belt for Spurs, Norwich City, West Ham and Charlton.

He was sold to Norwich from Spurs for £97,000 in 1987 and also enjoyed a short spell in Japanese football with Shimizu S-Pulse.

Wadsworth also revealed that he is opening new contract negotiations with central defender Stephane Pounewatchy today and Craig Farley, a young defender currently playing at Watford has signed a one-year contract.

There could also be a new role for Bowen's fellow Welsh international Geraint "George" Williams.

Wadsworth said: "I have offered George a new contract as a player/coach. I would like him to become reserve team coach while he continues as a player.

"If I get 20 games out of him next season as a player it would be great, 40 games would be a big bonus."

Meanwhile, with Fernandes released and regular first teamer Carl Emberson still out with a broken finger, youth team keeper Andy Walker will be handed the big chance to make his League debut in Saturday's game at Blackpool.

Nine U's players are already contracted to stay next season.

They are captain Richard Wilkins, David Greene, Steve Forbes, Mark Sale, Neil and David Gregory, Warren Aspinall, Lomana Tresor Lua Lua and Fabrice Richard.

New contracts are being offered to Carl Emberson, Karl Duguid, Jason Dozzell, Paul Buckle, Aaron Skelton, Ian Wiles and Steve Germain.

Of the nine players released, Wadsworth said: "This has been a difficult choice for us as these lads helped to get the club promotion last year and kept us in Division Two this season."

"But I must make changes if we are to improve our standing and performance next season. I would like to thank them all for their contribution to our success, both before and since I have been here."

U's manager Mick Wadsworth is hoping to sign Mark Bowen, pictured above centre tussling with Alex Mathie while playing for Charlton Athletic against Ipswich in last season's play-offs.

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