GAVIN Massey has returned to Colchester United for a second loan stay.

Winger Massey had a loan stint with the U’s on loan from Watford earlier this year, before being recalled because of an injury crisis at Vicarage Road.

But he is now back at the Essex club, ahead of tomorrow’s home game against Huddersfield.

And as expected, West Ham loanee Freddie Sears has extended his loan spell with the U’s until the end of the season.

Massey said this morning: “I enjoyed playing here and it was a shame that it got cut short.

“I’m now looking forward to Saturday and the games to come.”

Massey has signed a month’s deal, which means he will be eligible for eight of the U’s last 11 fixtures. The deal expires after the home game against Sheffield Wednesday on April 14.

Sears, meanwhile, is delighted to have extended his loan spell, despite being stuck on the bench for the last four games.

“I’m happy to extend my stay here,” enthused Sears.

“That’s what I intended to do all along, when I first signed here, to be honest with you.”

Sears made his debut on the wing in the U’s 3-2 defeat at Yeovil, and he also started the draws against Rochdale and at Oldham, in a more central role behind Steven Gillespie.

But he has watched the last four fixtures from the bench, and has only had 11 minutes of action, during last weekend’s goalless draw at Wycombe, in that time.

The prolific scoring form of Gillespie – nine goals in his last 10 appearances – and the return of target man Kayode Odejayi after injury, has restricted Sears’ recent opportunities.

But he has no argument with U’s boss John Ward for his current stint on the bench.

“The boys are on fire at the moment. It’s been good to be around the place, with the team winning games and drawing games,” said Sears.

“There is a feel-good factor around the club, due to the run we’ve been on. At any level, one defeat in eight games is impressive.

“Obviously the one disappointing factor has been my lack of games, but I can’t really have any complaints.

“The boys have been flying. I obviously want to come and play, but I have to bide my time and keep waiting for another chance, and then go from there.

“I’m competing with Steve (Gillespie) and Kayode at the minute, and you can’t take anything away from them, and the way they have been playing.

“Their partnership has been good, and we’ve been winning games.

“I want to be playing, but I’m happy to just be involved around the team, with us doing so well.

“You learn so much in training, and I’ve learnt a lot about getting ready for training and preparing properly.”