ALAN Maybury will still be a Colchester United player next season.

Carl Marston

ALAN Maybury will still be a Colchester United player next season.

The ex-Leeds United and Leicester City full-back was out of contract this summer, but he has now put pen to paper on a new, long term contract.

And it's a case of a double celebration for Maybury this summer, because the Irishman has also got married.

Maybury's decision to stay is a big boost for the U's, not least because the experienced 30-year-old impressed during his six-month stint with the Essex club during the second half of last season.

The Dubliner did not sign until December, having hedged his bets over a new club following his release from Leicester City last summer. He had actually ended the previous campaign on loan at Aberdeen.

“I have really enjoyed the last six months, and it's pleasing to be able to extend my contract,” enthused Maybury.

“I missed out on a lot of football last season, so I can't wait for August and the new campaign. As mad as it sounds, I'm also looking forward to a full pre-season's training.”

Maybury was a virtual ever-present from December onwards, making 25 appearances. He even enjoyed one outing in the unfamiliar position of central midfield, in the 2-0 win at Hereford in April.

A Republic of Ireland international, the versatile Maybury therefore follows in the footsteps of keeper Mark Cousins, who also signed a new deal earlier in the summer.

That just leaves centre-half Pat Baldwin as the one player who is currently stalling over a new deal. The former Chelsea trainee is mulling over the offer of a new contract, having been the U's No. 1 choice central defender last year.