LUKE Hannant's decision to join Colchester United came as a 'little bit of a surprise' to Cambridge United head coach Mark Bonner.

The 27-year-old has joined the U's on a two-year deal, after opting to turn down a contract offer at the Abbey Stadium.

Hannant played a big part in helping Cambridge secure promotion to League One, last season.

And while he insists the player goes with his best wishes, Bonner says the winger's decision to leave them to link up with the U's in the fourth tier left him a little surprised.

Bonner told Cambridgeshire Live: “He has obviously felt it was an offer that he didn’t want to turn down.

"From his point of view, he’s done what he feels is the right thing.

“I think he’s going into a team that are going to be a lot stronger this year than they were last year, in a league that I think might be stronger than it was last year as well.

"There is some real competition and good signings going on in League Two.

Gazette:

“Whilst it was a little bit of a surprise, because I thought he would just remain, and be part of it, and have that real ambition to play in the league above, obviously something swayed the balance for him, so no issue with that.

"He’s obviously had a good season with us, and was pretty much ever-present in the team.

“I’ve known Luke for years, and have worked with him here for a long time, and will stay in touch with him forever.

“We offered something we felt was fair and right for us, but we’re not going to go above that when we feel that the value has been met of what we think is right.

“Obviously someone offered him something that’s too good to turn down. No issue with that whatsoever. That’s what the game is, wrong or right, that’s just how it works.

“He goes with our best wishes, and I look forward to seeing how he goes with Colchester this year. We’ve made three additions in wide areas, so we feel we can cover that.”

Hannant is one of six new signings for Colchester this summer, as they bid to challenge at the right end of the table under new boss, Hayden Mullins.

He spent two seasons at Cambridge after joining them from Port Vale, in 2019.