A main piece in the Colchester United jigsaw has been secured, with the capture of Jabo Ibehre on a long term contract.

A main piece in the Colchester United jigsaw has been secured, with the capture of Jabo Ibehre on a long term contract.

Popular front-runner Ibehre, who played such a key role in keeping the U’s in League One last season, initially on loan and then on a short-term contract, today penned a two-year deal to stay at the Essex club.

There were fears that the vastly experienced Ibehre would move on this summer, following the end of his short-term contract with Joe Dunne’s blossoming squad.

But the 30-year-old ex-Leyton Orient and MK Dons striker is now raring to go again, with the ambitious U’s, after finishing last term as the club’s joint leading scorer.

Ibehre has flown out to join up with the rest of the Colchester squad, who are currently spending a week of pre-season training in Ireland.

Ibehre enthused: “I’m absolutely delighted to be signed up for another two years and, after last season, I’m looking forward to some good times here.

“I can’t wait to crack on with the new season.”