JOE Taylor has sent a message thanking Colchester United for his time at the club after his return to parent club Luton Town was officially confirmed.

The 21-year-old striker has joined League One club Lincoln City for the second half of the campaign, after being recalled by the Hatters.

Luton have exercised a break clause in the loan deal that was agreed between the clubs for the striker, last summer.

 

And Taylor was quick to show his gratitude to the U's, following a productive first half of the season at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Writing on social media, he said: 'we’ll keep it short and sweet… thankyou for everything @ColU_Official'

Taylor has hit 12 goals for Colchester since joining them on a season-long loan.

The former Peterborough United striker played 27 times in total for the U's.

 

He is the first Colchester player to reach double figures in goals before Christmas since Freddie Sears achieved the feat, in the 2014/15 campaign.

Colchester's sporting director Dmitri Halajko told the club's website: "Obviously, we would have loved to have kept him longer at the club, however with most loans the parent club has a call back option in January which Luton have exercised.

"It’s never easy to find a twenty goal a season striker and Joe will be a big miss for us, his goals and pace have made him one of the outstanding forwards in League Two this season.

"We wish Joe all the best for the rest of the season and thank him for his contribution to our club this season."

 

Taylor is one of three players to be recalled by Luton, with Elliot Thorpe and Aribim Pepple also returning to the Hatters following their respective loan spells.