DANNY Cowley has revealed he is playing his part in helping John Akinde find a new club following the striker’s Colchester United exit.

Experienced striker Akinde has been released by the U’s after two-and-a-half years at the club, following the expiry of his contract.

The 34-year-old is on the lookout for a new side for next season and U’s boss Cowley, who managed Akinde at both Colchester and Lincoln City, says he is receiving plenty of calls from clubs interested in signing the forward, this summer.

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Cowley said: “I’ve spoken to John probably five or six times this summer and he knows that we think a lot of him.

“I think the best relationships are always give and take.

“John gave us a lot and it’s always for us to give back, in this situation.

“We’re just trying to help John find the right next club and we’ve had loads of calls on him, like you would expect.

“He will only get my very, very best words, that is for sure.

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

“They’re big shoes to fill, for sure – about size 15!

“It’s not just what they give you on the pitch; it’s also what they give you off the pitch.

“We loved working with John and I think sometimes, you just have to make tough decisions.

“We certainly know what we’re losing in John, that’s for sure.

“He’s still got so much more to give.

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“When you’re in the position that we are in, then probably the boys that are out of contract naturally at that stage move on, because you do need to try to create room financially and space within the squad to make the necessary change.

“But it’s not a conversation I enjoyed.”

Akinde was one of four first-team players to be released by Colchester, last month.

Tom Dallison, Sam Hornby and Marley Marshall Miranda, who has since joined National League new boys Braintree Town, have also departed the U’s following the expiry of their contracts.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

Like Akinde, defender Dallison has played under the Cowleys at two different clubs and the U’s boss says it was great to work with the ex-Brighton and Hove Albion youngster.

“I first met Tom as an 18-year-old when he came on loan to our Braintree team from Brighton,” added Cowley.

“It’s been great to see how much he has grown, both as a player and as a person.

“It was a real privilege to work with Tom and he’ll be a real asset to any club, that’s for sure.”