Andrew Bond has admitted being released by Crewe Alexandra has made him more determined to be a success in the Football League.

The Colchester United midfielder returns to Gresty Road tomorrow for the first time since being released by the Railwaymen, in 2006.

Bond, 25, began his career at Crewe but after being loaned out to Lancaster City, he failed to make a first team appearance for the club.

The midfielder was eventually released by Dario Gradi in 2006 and joined non-league outfit Barrow, where he rebuilt his career and caught the eye of U’s boss John Ward.

Bond is expected to start for Colchester against his former club, in their FA Cup first round tie this weekend.

He said: “I didn’t get a chance to play in the senior team at Crewe.

“I signed as a professional there at the age of 19 but I didn’t get a sniff of the first team.

“I remember going out on loan to Lancaster for the whole year and no member of staff from Crewe coming to watch me.

“When I got released, I wanted to prove them wrong and it’s something that has motivated me.

“But I had a great time there and I got to know a lot of good people.”

See Friday's Gazette for more on this story and a full preview of Colchester United's FA Cup tie at Crewe Alexandra.