JAMAL Campbell-Ryce has returned to Colchester United in a under-23 player-coach role.

The 36-year-old winger, who spent time on loan at the U's during the tail-end of their 2005-06 promotion season under Phil Parkinson, has been tasked with working with the club's young players.

Campbell-Ryce, who was released by the U's League Two rivals as a player at the end of last season, will link up with Colchester's academy, as they aim to bring more home-grown players into the first team.

U's Director of Performance Jon de Souza told the U's official website: "Jamal will be joining us as an U23s player/coach, working in training with the U18s and U23s, to play in the U23s fixtures and to mentor players on a one to one basis.

"He was a flair-based forward in his career and we believe that they are often the type of players who need help within our squad to develop the right application and desire to continue to progress.

"Through his career, Jamal has learned a lot and knows that, in that position and at that young age, you have to learn to do a lot more off the ball and to apply yourself fully on and off the pitch to end up having a long life in the game.

"He had a brief loan spell here and knows Dean Gerken from his time at the club, so has that connection with the football club and knows what is required.

"We want to go that bit younger in the U18s and U23s to accelerate their development, but at times last season we were perhaps a bit too young.

"Rather than hold back those slightly older players who are ready for the first team or for loan spells elsewhere, he will be able to help them in games and provide some experience in those matches."

Meanwhile, Adam Lewis has been promoted to a role coaching the under-18s and under-17s.

Lewis previously coached the club's under-16 and under-15 players.

De Souza added: "Adam has been with us for five years now, including three years with the U15s and U16s.

"In that time, those age groups have seen players gain recognition for England, play for the first team and be sold to Premier League sides and Adam has played a strong part in that alongside the other coaches.

"We think it's the right progression for him at this time and a recognition that we like to promote from within."