Defender pens three year deal.
Colchester United's plans for the new season have received a huge boost with the news that defender Magnus Okuonghae has opted to sign a contract with the club.
It looked like Magnus would be leaving the U's as he looked for the chance to play at a higher level, but discussions towards the back end of this week with manager John Ward have now persuaded him that his immediate future lies in north Essex.
And the commanding centre half was at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Saturday morning to pen his new three year deal.
A delighted John Ward told the official website: "All the way along, I have had huge respect for Magnus' ambition and desire to play at a higher level.
"We have kept in touch throughout the summer to discuss his future with a number of conversations and messages along the way and came to the agreement of what he was going to do in seeking that opportunity.
"We touched base on Wednesday to see how he was getting on as it seemed that things had gone quiet for him, so we offered him that chance to come back to Colchester and he was more than happy to accept that invitation."
Magnus' return is a boost for John as he shapes his squad for the new season and the U's boss was pleased that he has a player of not only good ability but also good character back on board.
He said: "I think it's a really positive thing. It's as good as a new signing for us, but we both know each other very well.
"Magnus is retaining that ambition to go higher and do well in the future, and that has positive implications for us.
"He will do his best to be at his best as often as he can.
"We saw that from him last year and he still has that opportunity to improve things for himself individually and on behalf of the team collectively. Colchester United can only benefit from his ambition.
"Magnus is popular with players and I am sure that this news will be very well received in the dressing room from a set of players who know exactly what he gives."