Colchester United are still keen on signing Alan Maybury on a permanent basis.

The experienced full-back is yet to put pen to paper on a full-time deal with the U’s.

Maybury - along with fellow defender Pat Baldwin - are both out of contract and are still to sign fresh deals.

However, Colchester boss Paul Lambert has made it clear that both players are part of his plans for the forthcoming season.

Lambert said: “Alan has done great for us.

“He’s been really consistent - we will talk to him about what he is thinking but we would like to keep him here.”

Maybury made the right-back spot his own for the U’s last season.

After joining them as a free agent last December, the former Leeds United player featured in nearly all of Colchester’s games, in the second half of the campaign.

The 30-year-old also offers a versatility which Lambert feels can serve the U’s well as they push for promotion from Coca-Cola League One.

“Alan has been brilliant since he’s come to the club,” added Lambert.

“He’s played at right-back, left-back and in midfield so I knew exactly what I was getting but he’s been terrific for me.

“If they do well for me and Colchester, they do well for themselves.”

Meanwhile, Maybury said joining the U’s last season gave him a new lease of life.

The former Republic of Ireland international was without a club when the U’s brought him in on trial, after being released by Leicester City.

Maybury said: “I had to prove to the manager that I still had the hunger and the desire.

“I know my role here and I’m happy with that.

“You know what you get from me - I’m never going to grab the limelight.

“I’m steady - I get stick for being one of the older lads here now.

“But I’m old enough now to know how things work.

“You have to have a bit of faith in yourself and keep plugging away.”