Carl Pentney said he had to quit Colchester United in order to get regular football.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper has left the U’s, after having his contract cancelled by mutual consent.

Pentney joined Colchester in August 2010, after being snapped up by John Ward.

However, the former Leicester City youngster failed to make a senior appearance for the club in his two-and-a-half year stint with the club.

The Colchester-born keeper has spent time out on loan at several non-league clubs, including Chelmsford City, Hayes and Yeading and Woking.

Pentney said: “It’s disappointing to leave Colchester but I’ve come to a point in my career where I need to play games.

“I always hoped that I would get a chance at Colchester but things didn’t work out."

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