Striker Kevin Lisbie today rejoined Colchester United on a season-long loan from rivals Ipswich Town.

Lisbie scored 17 goals for the U's during the 2007-08 season, in which they were relegated from the Coca-Cola Championship.

Now he has returned to his former club, with the aim of winning them promotion back to the Coca-Cola Championship.

Colchester manager Paul Lambert has been looking to strengthen his forward options all summer.

His search was made more urgent on Saturday when Steven Gillespie suffered a hamstring injury in the 1-1 pre-season friendly draw at Rushden and Diamonds.

He brought in Joel Thomas from Hamilton Academical for £125,000 last month.

But Lambert was always keen to bring in an experienced forward and Lisbie's return is likely to see him reunited with former strike partner Clive Platt once again.

Lisbie could make his second U's debut in their opening league game on Saturday at Norwich City, where he spent time on loan earlier in his career.

For a full interview with U's new boy Lisbie, see tomorrow's Gazette.