Colchester United tried to lure midfielder Billy Clifford back to the Weston Homes Community Stadium for another loan spell.
But the U's missed out on the Chelsea youngster after he signed for Championship new boys Yeovil Town.
Clifford made 18 appearances for the U's last season after joining them on loan from Chelsea, in January.
U's boss Joe Dunne said: "We talked about the possibility of bringing Billy back.
"He's a player I wanted at the club and someone I'd have loved to have brought back.
"But you have to get the balance right and we've got a lot of midfield players.
"You don't want to overclog the system when other positions are a priority.
"Good luck to Billy - he did very well for us and Yeovil have made an astute acquisition, because he's a good player."
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