Johnson signs new U's deal

Colchester United manager Phil Parkinson has offered veteran defender Gavin Johnson a new contract for the following season.

The 33-year-old recovered from a 14-month absence with a broken leg to return to action back in December and make himself a regular towards the end of the campaign at Layer Road.

His performances have prompted the U's boss to extend Johnson's contract for the following campaign.

Johnson will be joined by youngster Greg Halford, who has signed a new three-year deal with the club.

The teenage defender had a fine season with The U's and has been rewarded with a contract until 2007.

The news of players' contract extensions was followed by the announcement that French midfielder Thomas Pinault has left the Essex-based outfit for to find pastures new.

Pinault ended his five-year spell with the Division Two club after deciding to move on following talks with Parkinson this week.

The Frenchman, who made more than 150 appearances for The U's, was grateful for the opportunity to play with Colchester.

"I am really grateful to Colchester United, they gave me my first professional contract and that is something you can't buy," Pinault told the club's official website.

"It wasn't a really big decision, I have been here for five years now and I feel it is time for me to set new challenges for myself.

"My goal is to play in a higher league and I think I am good enough to play in the First Division."