John-Joe O’Toole has admitted he considered the prospect of quitting Colchester United this summer.

But the tenacious midfielder said talks with U’s boss John Ward helped convince him that his future lies at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

O’Toole was one of a host of Colchester players who were out of contract, at the end of last season.

However, unlike the likes of Magnus Okuonghae, Ben Williams and Kayode Odejayi, the former Watford youngster has opted to stay put.

O’Toole last month put pen to paper on a new two-year deal to remain at Colchester.

And the 23-year-old now wants to get his career back on track and make up for lost time, following two seasons interrupted by injuries.

O’Toole said: “I was pleased to get the contract sorted and now I can look forward to the future.

“I’ve obviously had a couple of disappointing seasons, which has been really frustrating for me.

“It’s always in your mind thinking about what’s best for you and you do think about the possibility of a fresh start somewhere else.

“But after speaking to the gaffer, I want to be playing here, have an injury-free season and see what I can do after that.

“I’m confident that if I can stay clear of injuries that I can do really well for myself and for this football club.

“I had a few chats with the gaffer and I decided that this was the best place to be."

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