MAX Jolliffe is determined to ‘kick on’ at Colchester United after penning his first professional deal.

The promising 18-year-old midfielder has earned a new contract with the U’s after impressing within the club’s academy.

Jolliffe, who joined Colchester two seasons ago after leaving Arsenal, progressed through the under-18s to make a number of appearances for the under-21s, in the 2023-24 campaign.

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Jolliffe told www.cu-fc.com: “I’m buzzing, I just want to kick on for the season now and see where I can get to. But I’m obviously very happy to sign my first professional deal.

“I have had to work really hard for it, and it was a bit harder in the first year. But I feel like last year I really kicked on and I deserve to be where I am now.

“In the second half of the season, I was more with the 21s after starting with the 18s and it was good to see both and the jump.

 

“The first team is obviously where I want to be at and I’ll keep working to do that.

“I want to come back and do well with the 21s first and then see what happens, after that.

“I want to keep working, work hard and then see where I get to.”

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Jolliffe was one of four Colchester under-21 players to be offered new deals, at the end of last season.

Fellow youngsters Harrison Chamberlain, Frankie Edwards and Milton Oni have also been offered new contracts.

It was announced earlier this week that striker Kien Connolly, 18, has signed a one-year deal with the U’s academy.