RYAN Clampin is still in contract discussions with Colchester United.

The 22-year-old, who is due to see his current deal expire this summer, has been offered a new deal by the club, on the back of an impressive season for the U’s.

Clampin, who has made 40 senior appearances for Colchester after progressing from their academy, was one of four players to be offered new contracts by the League Two outfit at the end of the campaign.

Tom Eastman, Sam Cornish and Billy Cracknell have penned new deals and left-back Clampin is still in talks about extending his stay, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Clampin played his part in keeping Colchester in the Football League last season with some impressive defensive performances.

He made 22 league and cup appearances for the U’s in the 2020-21 campaign, establishing himself at left-back.

“It wasn’t ideal where we finished and it isn’t good enough by any means,” said Clampin, who made his senior U’s debut in September, 2018.

“But on a personal level, it was nice to have a good run of games.

“I really felt like I took the opportunity with both hands, this time.

“It was a case of being patient really and you’ve got to just wait your turn and do as well as you can in training, because you never know when you’re going to get chucked in.

“Luckily, I’d done everything right before that, so I wasn’t really too shocked coming into it.

“I’ve got a foothold in there and I want to keep that and really excel now.

“I don’t just want to be a squad player; I want to be the best I can.”

Clampin started all eight games under Hayden Mullins while the newly-appointed Colchester boss was serving as interim head coach, in the final weeks of last season.

He scored what proved to be a vital goal for the U’s in their survival battle, netting their winner in a crucial 2-1 triumph over Walsall.

Clampin says he enjoyed played under Mullins and helping Colchester stay in the division.

Clampin added: “I get on with Hayden pretty well – it’s probably the best I’ve got on with any manager at this, at the club.

“It’s good to have a nice relationship going into it and I’m sure we’ll get on a lot, next season.”

Meanwhile Clampin successfully completed the Three Peaks Challenge, on Monday.

Along with his girlfriend Harriet and brother Jack, he climbed the highest mountains of England, Scotland and Wales - Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon - within 24 hours.

They undertook the challenge to raise money for the Parkinson’s Disease Society of the United Kingdom and have so far raised a magnificent £3,110.

Writing on Twitter, he said: ‘Challenge completed. Such a great experience and for an even greater cause. Absolutely smashed our target and raised far more than we intended so thank you to everyone that donated, it is much appreciated by us all.’

If you would like to contribute and donate, visit his GoFundMe page - https://gofund.me/9ae8799d