U's to resume talks with out-of-contract stars (From Gazette)

U's to resume talks with out-of-contract stars

11:19am Friday 27th January 2012 in Colchester Utd By Jonathan Waldron

Colchester United are set to resume talks with their out-of-contract stars.

U’s boss John Ward has confirmed that the club and players will hold negotiations over new deals next month.

But budget cuts and new Football League rules may mean they have to accept reduced terms if they wish to stay at the club.

Magnus Okuonghae, Ben Williams and John-Joe O’Toole are among the players nearing the end of their existing deals.

Ward said: “We know that we’ll have to look at the resources because they’ll change quite radically, at the end of the season.

“There’s a lot of assessment that has to go on regarding that but the players are very much aware of it.

“Robbie (Cowling) is very open and he’s told them exactly how it is.

“The bright light at this football club is that the guy that runs it will not let it fall into bad habits.

“It’s tough for me because I want a good team on the pitch but at the same time, it’s good news for supporters.”

For a full Leyton Orient v U's preview, see Friday's Gazette.