It has been a day of exits, rather than arrivals, on transfer deadline day at Colchester United today.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dan Holman, in action for the U's against Oldham from earlier this seasonDan Holman, in action for the U's against Oldham from earlier this season

The main development has been Craig Eastmond’s departure, while striker Dan Holman has gone out on loan.

These two exits come just three days after centre-half Kaspars Gorkss left to join Greek club Ergotelis.

Classy midfielder Eastmond, out-of-favour with the U’s, has had his contract cancelled by mutual consent.

The 24-year-old ex-Arsenal star, who initially arrived on loan from the Gunners in September, 2012, before signing a permanent deal the following summer, has chalked up 68 games for the U’s.

However, Eastmond has struggled to hold down a regular place in Tony Humes’ starting XI, and has not featured at all since the turn of the year.

Manager Humes explained: “After discussions, it was felt that it would be best for Craig to look elsewhere for first team football and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Meanwhile, Holman has again gone out on loan, this time to Conference club Dover Athletic.

Ex-Braintree Town marksman Holman, who had loan spells at fellow Conference clubs Wrexham and Aldershot earlier this campaign, will spend the rest of the season at Dover, who are in contention for a play-off place.