COLCHESTER United favourite Karl Duguid has resigned for the club today on a one-year deal.

The 33-year-old – who made nearly 400 appearances over a 13 spell at the club – has been training with the Essex club this summer following his release by Plymouth Argyle.

“It was not something that was on our minds – mine or Karl’s – when he came here at the start of pre-season,” said U’s boss John Ward.

“But we’ve had a chat and agreed on a one-year deal for Karl to bolster the squad.

“He has good experience and knows the club pretty well. I like to have good characters at the club as well as good players and I think we’ve got both with Karl signing.”

Duguid – seventh in the club’s all-time league appearance list – returns following a three-year absence. He will take the No.27 shirt – combining the squad numbers he had at Colchester and Plymouth.