RYAN Clampin says he is glad to finally nail down his new contract after extending his stay at Colchester United.

The 22-year-old left-back, who was due to see his previous deal expire this summer, has penned a new two-year contract at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Clampin, who has been at Colchester since he was an under-nine player and progressed through the academy, made 22 appearances last season.

And after agreeing new terms with his home town club, the defender is now looking forward to the next two seasons.

Speaking to Col U TV, he said: "I'm happy to get it all sorted now.

"The offer came near the end of the season and we've speaking through the summer months and finally got it all sorted.

"The contract didn't really cross my mind, during the season.

"If anything, it motivates you a little bit more, because you know that you've got people watching you.

"You need to do well for yourself now as well as the club, because you don't know what's going to happen.

"It's always nice to be at your local club and I've been here so long as well.

"I know all of the staff and get along with all of the boys - it's nice to get it over the line.

"I'm looking forward to the next couple of years, especially knowing that I've solidified that spot a bit more - I'm excited.

"I've feel now that I've got a role to play and it's nice to have that responsibility."

Gazette:

It was a season of two halves for Clampin, last year.

The youngster experienced a frustrating first half of the campaign but was a regular in the U's starting line-up in the second part, helping them stay in League Two.

He said: "The first half of the season was tough for me, being injured as well, coming back, being on the bench, not even being in the squad at times.

"As a player, it's hard to keep that concentration and motivation to stay in love with the game because there are times when you hate it.

"But it's good that I stuck with it and did everything I could to stay fit, do well and it was good to finally get my opportunity.

"The injury and the scares that it could have been something big made me realise how fragile a football career is.

"After that, it made me knuckle down a lot more and know this is what I need to be doing for as long as I can."