Kem Izzet is set to take the Colchester United captain’s armband once again this year.

Manager John Ward confirmed that he had asked the 31-year-old to take up the role for the coming season and was delighted that he had agreed after signing a new deal with the club earlier this week.

Ward said his skipper is a pivotal figure in the dressing room and on the pitch and expects him to play an equally big part again this season.

The U’s boss said: “Kem remains the club captain and he was delighted to take the role again when I offered it to him after he had signed.

“He sets the example that I want players to and that’s important as we have a lot of young people around the team now.”

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