Goalkeeper Andy Woodman has handed Colchester United boss Steve Whitton another boost by agreeing to extend his loan period.

But there was bad news awaiting the U's former Ipswich Town defender Adam Tanner.

In-form 29-year-old Brentford and former Crystal Palace, Exeter and Northampton keeper Woodman has agreed to sign on loan for another month.

The news of Woodman's signing follows hard on the heels of York City striker Barry Conlon, who agreed to stay on at Layer Road for the rest of the season.

Whitton said: "It's great that both Woody and Barry have agreed to stay on."

Meanwhile, Whitton said he had released unsettled former Ipswich Town defender Tanner, who has been playing on a month-to-month basis at Layer Road since joining the club in September.

Whitton said: "The defensive strength at the club is very strong now, especially as Ross Johnson is somewhere near to full fitness again.

However, Tanner, sacked by Ipswich last season following drugs and drink-driving offences, will be allowed to see out the final month of his current contract.

Staying with the U's - keeper Andy Woodman.

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