Joe Dunne has told his out-of-favour players they can leave Colchester United on loan.

John-Joe O’Toole has already been allowed to join former boss John Ward at League Two strugglers Bristol Rovers.

And fellow midfielder Andrew Bond, who has already spent time at Crewe Alexandra this season, was also on the verge of leaving on loan last week before the deal collapsed.

The likes of Ian Henderson and Ben Coker have also been informed they can pursue regular football elsewhere, as U’s boss Dunne reshapes his squad.

Dunne has made six new signings so far this month, with more set to follow before the window closes in a fortnight’s time.

And that has meant that several regulars under previous boss Ward now find themselves down the pecking order at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Dunne said: “I’ve always had a policy here that if you’re not in the team, you can go and get games on loan.

“That benefits us in the long run and I’ve said that from day one."

See Friday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including a full preview of their match against Hartlepool United tomorrow.