George Elokobi has left Colchester United after failing to agree a new contract with the club.

The 31-year-old popular defender was offered a new deal to stay at the Weston Homes Community Stadium at the end of last season.

But Elokobi, who played 29 times for Colchester last season under John McGreal, revealed he has now on the lookout for another club after being unable to agree terms.

Elokobi posted on Instagram: "It's with a heavy heart and as things stands I am a free agent.

"Unfortunately as much as I would love to stay at the club I have not been able to agree the terms the club have offered.

"I don't want to get into the nitty gritty of this as it would not be fair and correct but I really appreciate the love and support I have received from the fans and wish everyone all the best for the season ahead and thereafter."

Elokobi, in his second spell with Colchester, found himself out of favour in the early part of the season and went out on loan to non-league outfit Braintree Town.

But the former Wolves defender returned in November to help the U's embark on a nine-match unbeaten run and was an ever-present until the end of the campaign, where Colchester missed out on the play-offs by a single point.

Richard Brindley has also left Colchester after turning down a new contract.

The 24-year-old right back said in a message on Twitter that he had decided to leave the U's after two years at the club for "different reasons" and is now seeking a move elsewhere, with AFC Wimbledon and Fleetwood Town linked with his signature.

Brindley was one of Colchester's most consistent performers last season, having made 41 league appearances for the club in League Two.

Colchester have already signed a replacement for Brindley, having snapped up right-back Ryan Jackson from Gillingham.

Brindley and Elokobi were two of ten out of contract players to be offered new deals by Colchester at the end of last season.

Chris Porter left for Crewe Alexandra last month after rejecting a new contract, while Tom Eastman, Lewis Kinsella and Kane Vincent-Young have signed new deals.