EFL retained lists: free agents Colchester United can target in summer

The U’s earlier this month announced their retained list, with 15 players departing the JobServe Community Stadium at the expiry of their contracts.

Colchester will be looking to reinforce their first-team squad when the transfer window opens next month and chairman Robbie Cowling has said that he is aiming to provide a top-six budget, as the club bid to compete at the top end of the division.

However, there will also be a host of free agents available this summer – the Gazette looks at ten players who have been released by clubs who could be potential options for the U’s.

LIAM KINSELLA

With a surname that will be instantly familiar to Colchester United fans, Liam Kinsella is one of a number of players to be released by League Two side Walsall following the arrival of Mat Sadler as manager.

The 27-year-old, who is the son of U’s legend Mark Kinsella, racked up more than 200 league appearances for the Saddlers, having made his professional debut for them back in August, 2014.

Kinsella's 19-year stay at the Bescot Stadium has now come to an end.

And with Ben Garner looking for his U’s side to play attractive, attacking football next season, experienced midfielder Kinsella could well be a suitable option.

KANE VINCENT-YOUNG

Former Colchester full-back Kane Vincent-Young was one of four players to be released by neighbours Ipswich Town, earlier this week.

The 27-year-old spent four years at Town, after joining them from the U’s back in 2019.

Vincent-Young can play in either of the full-back positions and played the whole of the 2018-19 season at left-back, for Ipswich.

With Colchester believed to be looking to strengthen in that position this summer, Vincent-Young is a player that may well provide the answer to their search.

COLE STOCKTON

When news came through that Cole Stockton would be leaving Morecambe this summer after four years at the club, he immediately became linked with a string of clubs.

There is no doubt that there will be plenty of interest in the 29-year-old forward’s signature and it is not surprising, given his impressive goal record of 52 goals in 135 starts for the League Two-bound Shrimps, many of which came in the third tier.

It remains to be seen whether or not Colchester will be looking to reinforce their forward options this summer but Stockton could well provide them with another useful alternative as they bid to challenge for promotion.

LUKE MCGEE

With Kieran O’Hara being released and Tom Smith returning to parent club Arsenal, it is clear that Colchester will be looking to strengthen their goalkeeper options, this summer.

One player who could be on their radar is Luke McGee, who was one of a number of players to be released by Forest Green Rovers earlier this week following their relegation, from League One.

The former Spurs goalkeeper spent the second half of last season on loan at League One side Derby County and has plenty of EFL experience, with nearly 200 games under his belt to date.

MAX CLARK

Colchester United are almost certain to strengthen their left-back options this summer and Max Clark could be a viable option, following his release by promoted Stevenage.

The 27-year-old clocked up 47 appearances for Steve Evans’ side this season, playing his part in their elevation to the third tier after joining them from Rochdale in the summer of 2022.

Clark can also play as a midfielder and would provide versatility in addition to experience for Colchester, should they wish to pursue his signature.

DANNY MAYOR

It would perhaps be quite a coup for Colchester to tempt Danny Mayor to League Two football, given the season he has just enjoyed with newly-crowned League One champions Plymouth Argyle where he spent four seasons.

Nevertheless, the 32-year-old is no stranger to the division, having experienced life in the fourth tier with Bury.

The former Southend United loanee would potentially be a great signing for the U’s, should they be looking to strengthen their midfield options.

JORDAN MOORE-TAYLOR

With Luke Chambers, Tom Eastman and Tommy Smith all leaving the JobServe Community Stadium this summer, the U’s could well be looking to strengthen their options in central defence.

Like his team-mate Luke McGee, centre-back Jordan Moore-Taylor is looking for a new club after being released by League Two-bound Forest Green Rovers.

The 29-year-old was an integral member of Rovers’ 2021-22 promotion-winning team and the former Exeter City favourite could well prove a wise signing for the U’s.

JACK SPARKES

There were a few raised eyebrows when news came through earlier this month that Jack Sparkes would be leaving his boyhood club Exeter City.

The 22-year-old left-back joined the Grecians academy at the age of eight and the curtain has come down on his career at St James Park after 14 years and 150 first-team appearances.

Colchester fans are no doubt all to aware of Sparkes’ prowess, after he scored against them for Exeter in the Devon side’s 2-0 win over the U’s, at the end of last season.

With the U’s likely to be on the lookout for a new left-back, the Exeter promotion winner would potentially be an exciting addition to the squad.

JONNY WILLIAMS

Experienced midfielder Jonny Williams is a player that U’s boss Ben Garner knows well, having managed him at Swindon Town in the 2021-22 campaign.

The 29-year-old made 49 appearances under Garner that season, playing his part in helping the Robins reach the League Two play-offs.

With the Wales international now on the lookout for a new club, it would not be beyond the bounds of possibility that he could be reunited with his former head coach, at Colchester.

PAUL OSEW

Having been part of the Northampton Town squad that won promotion from League Two this season, Paul Osew is now looking for a new club.

The left-back joined the Cobblers from Johnnie Jackson’s AFC Wimbledon side in March 2023 and could be an option for the U’s, as they look to reinforce in that position.

Osew is only 22 but has 79 league and cup appearances under his belt and could be a player that Colchester feel is someone who could slot nicely into their squad, both now and in the future.