Colchester United have signed seven of their youngsters to professional deals.
Colchester United have signed seven of their youngsters to professional contracts at Layer Road.Two of the seven in striker Jamie Guy midfielder Robbie King made first-team appearances for The U's last season, while goalkeeper Mark Cousins made the substitutes' bench last term.
Defenders Liam Bailey and Matthew Paine, striker Craig Hughes and winger David Wareham were all regulars in the Essex club's reserves last season.
"The club made the commitment to sign these lads up at the end of last season, following their excellent achievements with the youth team," Colchester chief executive Marie Partner told the club's official website.
"They now have a fantastic opportunity to take their first steps as a professional footballer and hopefully make an impression, as we prepare for life in The Championship."
Meanwhile, utility man John White has gone under the knife this week to treat an ongoing groin injury.
White (pictured) hoped rest over the close season would help his groin problem, but that proved not to be the case.
