Ben Williams has been offered the chance to stay at Colchester United.

But U’s boss John Ward has stressed he will not go on the hunt for a new goalkeeper, should Williams decide to leave.

Shot-stopper Williams is one of a number of U’s players who will see their current deals expire at the end of the season.

The 29-year-old has been Colchester’s first-choice custodian for the majority of this campaign, ahead of Mark Cousins.

And Ward has confirmed that Williams has been offered the opportunity to stay at the club beyond this season.

However, the U’s manager confirmed that he will not go on the hunt for a replacement, should Williams decide to leave.

Ward said: “Ben has been offered a new contract and I’d like him to stay.

“But if is not here next season, I won’t look for another goalkeeper.

“I think it’s one of our strongest areas and it wouldn’t need much alteration.

“We have Mark Cousins challenging Ben at the moment and I feel that it’s a strong position for our football club.

“We also have Carl Pentney and Shaun Phillips, who has a two-year deal.”

See Friday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including a full preview of their trip to play AFC Bournemouth tomorrow.