Defender's gut feeling proves vital.
"I've spoken to a number of different managers, but John Ward comes out of this with flying colours and he is one of the main reasons I've decided to come back."
"The club is moving in the right direction, we have made some good signings and the gaffer is getting the set up here right.
"When I initially made the decision to try elsewhere, it was a heavy heart, so I am happy that the manager was ready to take me back and I can't wait to get going.
He said: "I am delighted to be back. This has been a long summer with so many conversations with so many people in the game, but my gut feeling just told me that this is the place that I want to be.
The commanding centre half was courted by a range of managers since the end of last season but admitted that John Ward's words of wisdom convinced him to stick with the U's.
Despite talking to a number of clubs during the course of the summer, Magnus Okuonghae believes that Colchester United is the place for him to be after penning a new three year deal.