FORMER Colchester United stalwart Karl Duguid is owed seven months in wages from his last club, Plymouth Argyle.

Free agent Duguid, released by the Pilgrims this summer and currently training on a casual basis with the U’s, has not been paid since the first half of last season.

The 33-year-old is hoping that the matter will be resolved soon, to coincide with his search for a new club.

Earlier this week, the takeover of Argyle by ex-Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale was completed, subject to Football League approval, although for the moment the Home Park club remain in administration.

“None of us have been paid for about seven months, so we are talking about a considerable sum of money,” revealed Duguid.

“I’m hoping that it will be sorted out soon, especially as the club has been up for sale and seems to have got a buyer.”

Duguid, who clocked up more than 400 senior games for Colchester, between 1996 and 2008, was a spectator during the U’s 4-0 win at Maldon & Tiptree in their opening pre-season friendly on Wednesday night.

He has been training with John Ward’s men this week, although he will not be joining them on next week’s trip to Holland.

“I’ve just been here to get fit, and get sharp for the new season,” explained Duguid.

“Colchester is a club that is very dear to me, but it’s just about increasing my fitness at a professional set-up.

“Of course it would be nice to sign for a club like Colchester again, but it’s purely a case of me joining in training.

“I want to find myself a new club in good time for the new season,” added Duguid.

Ward is hoping to increase his strike-force options ahead of the 2011-12 campaign, although he is happy with his squad in all other departments.

The versatile Duguid played in central midfield during his first two years at Plymouth, but ended his third and last season in Devon at right-back.