COLCHESTER United trio Steven Gillespie, John White and Andy Bond have all signed new deals with the club.

Liverpudlian striker Gillespie – who scored nine goals in 18 appearances at the end-of-the-season – has signed a fresh two-year deal and been handed the vacant No.9 squad number for next season.

The 25-year-old club record signing, who has finally looked like justifying his �400,000 price tag after three largely injury-hit seasons in Essex, could have walked away for nothing this summer had he chosen to.

The same was true of long-serving, versatile defender John White who has also signed a new two-year deal at the club today. The 24-year-old – who was born in the town and has made over 150 appearances for the club – is due to get married in America in a few weeks’ time.

Midfielder Bond still had another year to run on his contract, but has been rewarded with a fresh two-year deal following an impressive debut season. The 25-year-old has scored eight goals in 46 appearances following his arrival from non-league side Barrow.

Midfielder and recently named Player of the Year David Perkins, keeper Mark Cousins and midfielder Ian Henderson are soon-to-be out-of-contract and are currently considering offers of new deals.

– Full story in tomorrow’s EADT.