Seven former Ipswich Town players have been released by League Two club Colchester United.

Luke Chambers, Cole Skuse, Tommy Smith, Freddie Sears, Alan Judge, Tom Eastman and Emyr Huws have all departed the Essex outfit after they finished six points above the drop zone.

It was announced earlier today that Skuse is the new manager of Suffolk non-league side Bury Town.

Former Town acadmey graduate Eastman, 31, leaves the Community Stadium having made more than 400 appearances for the U's.

Colchester's sporting director Dmitri Halajko said: "We wish all these players the best of luck in the next part of their football journeys. 

"Tom Eastman has been a magnificent servant to the club over the past 12 years. The term 'club legend' is sometimes overused in football but I certainly see Tom in that light.

MORE: Verdict on whether loan duo Hirst and John-Jules will return to Town

"Tommy Smith and Luke Chambers have been captains for the club on and off the pitch and the leadership they have given the team deserves recognition along with their footballing performances.

"Freddie Sears has also made a big contribution with Colchester United over the years scoring over 50 times, which is a great return.

"Although Cole and Luke have only been with us two years, they have shown a fantastic level of performance and professionalism on and off the pitch. We wish Cole the best of luck as he takes on his first managerial role at Bury Town after a long and illustrious playing career.

"Alan Judge is very unfortunate as his bad injury has kept him out of the second half of the season. However, he is working very hard with our medical team to get back playing. We will still be seeing plenty of him at the club while we help him back to full fitness."