Colchester United’s out-of-contract players have been warned they run the risk of being left without a club if they stall on new deals.

More than a dozen U’s players will see their current contracts expire this summer.

Colchester manager John Ward has spoken to some of those players about extending their stay at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

But he stressed he will not wait forever for them to accept the terms that they have been offered.

Colchester will cut their wage bill for next season to comply with new Football League rules, meaning players may have to agree to a pay cut in order to stay.

Ward said: “It’s up to them if they want to sit on their contracts but they run the risk of missing out.

“If they get a good move, then I’ll say well done and shake their hand.

“But if they don’t, they might have to take what I’ve offered them and not come back crying if I take it away.

“The players have got to adapt, otherwise they’ll miss out."

See Friday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including a full preview of their game against Hartlepool United this afternoon.