The U’s are set to bring in some experienced players to complement the talented youngsters they have within their ranks, with club chairman Robbie Cowling stating that he will provide another good budget from which to add to the squad.
Following each club’s announcement of released/retained lists, the Gazette picks out 11 free agents who could pursue this summer.
Jack Payne
Could former Southend United midfielder Jack Payne be tempted by a return to Essex?
The 29-year-old is currently a free agent after leaving Charlton Athletic, following the expiry of his contract at the League One club.
Payne spent this season on loan at MK Dons, helping them reach the play-offs under Mike Williamson.
The London-born midfielder, who has also played for the likes of Swindon Town, Bradford City and Oxford United, made 48 league and cup appearances for Dons.
Aiden O’Brien
Aiden O’Brien is on the lookout for a new club, after being released by League One outfit Shrewsbury Town.
The 6ft forward spent a large chunk of his career at Millwall, having made more than 200 league and cup appearances for the Lions over a nine-year period.
Since then, the 30-year-old has played for the likes of Sunderland, Portsmouth and Gillingham.
The Republic of Ireland international played 29 times for Shrewsbury this season and is now a free agent.
Harrison Dunk
Left-sided player Harrison Dunk, who can play as both a defender and a midfielder, will become a free agent when his contract at Cambridge United comes to an end on June 30.
The 33-year-old made more than 450 league and cup appearances for the U’s, having made his professional debut for them back in 2009.
Dunk, who won promotion with Cambridge from League Two in 2021, is now on the lookout for a new challenge and could prove a good addition for Colchester.
Marvin Ekpiteta
London-born Marvin Ekpiteta is a free agent, after being released by League One side Blackpool.
The 28-year-old centre-back made nearly 150 league and cup appearances for the Tangerines, after joining them from Leyton Orient in the summer of 2020.
Ekpiteta has experience of playing in Essex, having represented non-league sides Chelmsford City, Concord Rangers and East Thurrock United, in the early part of his career.
Rob Hunt
League Two title winner Rob Hunt is on the lookout for a new club, following his departure from Leyton Orient.
Right-back Hunt, who has twice won promotion from the fourth tier with the O’s in 2023 and Swindon Town in 2020, has more than 250 career appearances to his name, to date.
Speaking about Hunt and Adam Thompson, who has also been released, Orient boss Richie Wellens said: “Hunty and Thommo are two fantastic, experienced professionals who I have no doubt will make great additions to other clubs this summer and beyond.”
Liam Moore
Experienced 6ft 1in centre-back Liam Moore has been released by Northampton Town.
Moore spent the second half of the season with the Cobblers, having left fellow League One side Reading after seven and a half years at the Berkshire club.
The 31-year-old has nearly 350 league and cup appearances to his name and started his career at Leicester City, where he played more than 50 times, before representing the likes of Stoke City, Brentford and Bradford City along with Jamaica, having previously played for England under-21s.
Jordan Tunnicliffe
A promotion winner with Wrexham this season, Jordan Tunnicliffe is on the hunt for a new club after being released by the Welsh club following their elevation to League One.
The 30-year-old centre-back was also part of Phil Parkinson’s squad that won promotion from the National League, having joined them from Crawley Town, in 2022.
Tunnicliffe made more than 100 appearances for Crawley over a four-year period and the former West Bromwich Albion youngster was named in the 2020-21 League Two Team of the Season.
Declan John
Left wing-back Declan John spent this season playing in League Two on loan at Salford City.
The 28-year-old made 33 appearances for the Ammies, while on loan from Bolton Wanderers, with whom he achieved promotion from League Two and then finish ninth in League One, the following season.
John, who has nearly 250 league and cup appearances to his name, has now been released by Bolton and is looking for a new club for the 2024-25 campaign.
Harry Anderson
No stranger to U’s fans, following his loan spell at the club in the second half of this season.
The 27-year-old winger played ten times at Colchester, scoring twice, before his spell at the JobServe Community Stadium was cut short by a hamstring injury.
Anderson, who won promotion under the Cowleys at Lincoln City, is aiming to find a new club after he was released by League One side Stevenage, earlier this month.
TJ Eyoma
Former Spurs youngster TJ Eyoma is available on a free transfer, after he was released by Lincoln City.
The 6ft defender, who can play either as a centre-back or right-back, clocked up nearly 150 league and cup appearances for the Imps but is now on the lookout for a new club.
Eyoma, 24, started his career at Tottenham Hotspur but did not make a senior appearance for the North London club.
Ryan Croasdale
A double promotion winner with Stockport County, midfielder Ryan Croasdale is on the hunt for a new club after being released by the Hatters following their elevation to League One.
Croasdale, 29, made 38 league and cup appearances for Stockport this season, as they clinched promotion as League Two champions.
Prior to joining Stockport in 2020, Croasdale played for the likes of AFC Fylde and Kidderminster Harriers, having started his career at Preston North End.
Croasdale has to date played all of his football in the north, which could prove a sticking point should the U’s wish to pursue his signature.
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