Tony Humes is hoping more players will follow suit after three of Colchester United’s squad members committed to their future to the club.

Tom Eastman, Gavin Massey and Frankie Kent have all put pen to paper on new contracts to stay with the U’s.

The trio have been regulars under boss Humes, who is hoping that more of his players will follow their lead and pen new deals.

The likes of Freddie Sears, Sanchez Watt and Sam Walker will all see their current deals expire at the end of the current campaign.

Humes said: “It’s positive news for us and it’s good to sort it out early in the season.

“I think it’s a good sign as it shows that the players are enjoying playing here.

“The more confidence and belief that they’re getting, the more they’ll feel that they can take it forward as a team.”

Eastman, who is Colchester’s player of the year, has penned a one-year contract extension which ties him to the club until at least 2016.

He said: “I was up at the end of the season so it was nice to get the contract out of the way and now I can concentrate on the rest of the season.

“Security is important especially for my family - I have to keep playing well and hopefully more contracts will come after that as well.

“I’m a local boy and I’m enjoying playing for Colchester.”

Massey, whose previous contract was due to expire at the end of the season, will stay at the U’s until at least 2017.

He said: “My old contract was due to expire at the end of this year so it’s nice to get it sorted nice and early.

“I’m really happy - there are loads of players who are finding it difficult to get clubs and I’m one of the lucky ones to have one.

“I don’t take it for granted and I work hard every day but it’s good to have another two years under my belt at Colchester.”

Meanwhile, promising teenage defender Kent has signed a three-and-a-half year deal, which will keep him until 2018.

Kent, 18, who has started the U’s last six games under Humes, has won rave reviews for his performances in League One.

He said: “It’s been a long journey to get to where I am now and I can’t thank everyone who has helped me enough.

“Hopefully I can keep it up and I feel comfortable playing in the first team at Colchester.”

For a three-page preview of Colchester's game with Scunthorpe United, see Friday's Daily Gazette.