O'Toole considered leaving U's (From Gazette)

O'Toole considered leaving U's

9:52am Thursday 12th July 2012 in npower League One Table & Results By Jonathan Waldron

Future looks bright - John-Joe O'Toole is hoping for an injury-free season for Colchester United after committing his future to the club.

John-Joe O’Toole has admitted he considered the prospect of quitting Colchester United this summer.

But the tenacious midfielder said talks with U’s boss John Ward helped convince him that his future lies at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

O’Toole was one of a host of Colchester players who were out of contract, at the end of last season.

However, unlike the likes of Magnus Okuonghae, Ben Williams and Kayode Odejayi, the former Watford youngster has opted to stay put.

O’Toole last month put pen to paper on a new two-year deal to remain at Colchester.

And the 23-year-old now wants to get his career back on track and make up for lost time, following two seasons interrupted by injuries.

O’Toole said: “I was pleased to get the contract sorted and now I can look forward to the future.

“I’ve obviously had a couple of disappointing seasons, which has been really frustrating for me.

“It’s always in your mind thinking about what’s best for you and you do think about the possibility of a fresh start somewhere else.

“But after speaking to the gaffer, I want to be playing here, have an injury-free season and see what I can do after that.

“I’m confident that if I can stay clear of injuries that I can do really well for myself and for this football club.

“I had a few chats with the gaffer and I decided that this was the best place to be."

See Thursday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news.

Comments(12)

Surb says...
10:05am Thu 12 Jul 12

Great to have such a loyal player, someone that can actually make a huge difference in the side too with hes ability.

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TheCaptain says...
10:14am Thu 12 Jul 12

A fit O'Toole is a big bonus.

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Matthegame says...
10:43am Thu 12 Jul 12

Relieved to hear it, a fully fit JJOT will be like a new signing for us. If he can find some consistent form he could be a huge influence for us next season.

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Noah4x4 says...
11:18am Thu 12 Jul 12

Refreshingly honest JJ O'T. Of course you must consider your future, but you will have won the hearts and minds of all U's fans by this statement of loyalty.

Let's hope your injury problems are now behind you and you are "....indestructable and always believing...John Joe O Toole....."

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super waluigi says...
12:02pm Thu 12 Jul 12

I am very split on this. One half of me thinks that jonjo is our best player and most valuable after woody. The other half thinks that he had no option but to sign because of his age. No club would have wanted pay Colchester at a tribunal for him, he just was not worth the risk.

Still he is a class act and might be worth a few bob to u's if he stays fit. + I bet his wage offer was a good one.

Let's go........

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Noah4x4 says...
1:01pm Thu 12 Jul 12

Super Waluigi...

JJ O'T is merely 23 (24 in September).

He might look as though he has been round the block a few times (and had the odd collision in the process too), but he is a long way from being past his sell by date.

Youth and VAST experience - I reckon an ideal combination for the U's.

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super waluigi says...
1:36pm Thu 12 Jul 12

Hey Noah,

I think I have put my message across badly.
When I mentioned his age, I am pointing out that he is young and not old. He could not move to another club this summer without some compensation, which I believe no one will pay, hence him signing for the u's again via default.

I really like jonjo. Good player.

I agree about the youth and exp too. I think we have a well balanced team now.

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Noah4x4 says...
3:37pm Thu 12 Jul 12

Super W...

He was out of contract - so zero compensation would have been payable had he left as a 'free transfer'. So top man for staying!

I think he could be our future new "Doogie". Leading the way, and inspiring others as regards loyalty, a big heart, loads of guts, youth and yet experience. Let's just hope he stays fit.

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super waluigi says...
4:33pm Thu 12 Jul 12

If any player is under 24 and are offered a contract, then compensation has to be paid. Fryer has left man u this week fir 4 million because he is 21 even though there was no contract. Same when we signed Magnus.

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Noah4x4 says...
4:52pm Thu 12 Jul 12

I didn't know that Super W.

Maybe we should have persuaded him to go and had more money for a new striker!

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super waluigi says...
5:13pm Thu 12 Jul 12

Noah4x4 wrote:
I didn't know that Super W.

Maybe we should have persuaded him to go and had more money for a new striker!

Good idea, I think he will be ok though. Like you I think he is a good player, and we have a good squad.

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Steve86 says...
1:04pm Sat 14 Jul 12

Thanks JJOT, not surprised that you wanted to leave, but you staying is a bonus for us, keep fit and show to the footballing world why you were/are highly rated, also keep Izzet on the bench by making good performances.

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