STEVE Ball, who played for Colchester United during two spells in the early 1990s, is returning to the Essex club to join the coaching staff at the U’s Academy.

Ex-Arsenal trainee Ball enjoyed two successful seasons at Leiston Town, before announcing his decision to leave.

Ball said: “It is with great regret that I have to announce I will be leaving Leiston FC.

“I have been offered a full-time coaching position within the Colchester United Academy, beginning in July, which is a great opportunity and one that I couldn’t turn down.

“When the gaffer (Leiston boss Mark Morsley) rang me two years ago and asked to meet to discuss being his number two, I never imagined the journey we would go on, which has now lead us to the Ryman League Premier Division, thanks to back-to-back championships,” added Ball.

The U’s impressive new training headquarters at Tiptree will be open this summer. This is where Ball, 42, will be based.

Ball had a short spell at Layer Road during the relegation season of 1989-90, but later returned after a two-season stay at Norwich City, during the eras of Roy McDonough, George Burley and Steve Wignall, from 1992 to ‘96. He played 64 league games during his second stay.