COLCHESTER United defender Tom Eastman's loan spell at Harrogate Town has been hailed as a 'massive success'.

Eastman joined the Sulpharites on loan from the U's in January, where he was tasked with the challenge of helping them stay in League Two.

The 31-year-old has proved a consistent performer for the club, making 21 appearances for them in the second half of the season and playing his part in helping them stay in the EFL.

Gazette:

Eastman has formed a solid central defensive partnership with Anthony O'Connor and netted in Harrogate's 2-2 draw with Doncaster Rovers, last month.

Harrogate boss Simon Weaver told the club's website: “We were hoping he would make a good impact and he has certainly done that.

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"Alongside Anthony O’Connor, the pair combined well and watching them play you can see the pair are uncompromising defenders.

“They are both good footballers as well but in terms of his loan it’s been a massive success.”

Eastman, who is Colchester's longest-serving current player having joined them from neighbours Ipswich Town back in 2011, is out of contract at the JobServe Community Stadium, this summer.

Gazette:

The popular Colchester-born centre-back has made more than 450 appearances for the U's and is seventh in the club’s top-ten list of all-time leading appearance makers.

Eastman is also the only Colchester player to scoop the club's Player of the Year award on four separate occasions.

He joined Harrogate in January after finding himself out of favour at the U's under former boss, Matt Bloomfield.