MATT Heath can enjoy his summer's break after settling his long-term future by signing a permanent contract with Colchester United.

Carl Marston

Colchester soccer

MATT Heath can enjoy his summer's break after settling his long-term future by signing a permanent contract with Colchester United.

Centre-half Heath has put pen to paper on a new deal, having spent a couple of months on loan at Layer Road from Leeds United at the end of the recent season.

The 27-year-old was hampered by niggling injuries and a lack of match-fitness, but he still did enough to impress manager Geraint Williams.

Ex-Leicester and Coventry defender Heath will therefore be hoping to start next season alongside Chris Coyne at the heart of the U's defence, with fellow centre-half Pat Baldwin also on the long road to recovery following a shoulder operation.

“It doesn't usually happen that you sign so early in the summer, but it's great news for me,” insisted Heath.

“I know where I'll be playing next season, and I reckon that the club is on the up. I know that we've just got relegated (from the Championship), but there was a real voodoo with injuries, and hopefully we will be better placed than most to get promotion.

“There's also the new stadium (Cuckoo Farm) to look forward to, and hopefully a new training ground is in the pipeline.

“I didn't play much football from February onwards at Leeds, except for the odd game for the reserves, so I wasn't really match-fit when I came to Colchester, which is why I probably picked up a few injuries. It was a big ask.

“It's so frustrating when you get injured while on loan, because you know that you only have the opportunity to play a handful of games,” added Heath.