Tom Lapslie has put pen to paper on a new U's contract.
The twenty three year old has been a mainstay at the heart of the midfield again this season, and has been rewarded with a new deal to extend his stay at the U's.
He joined the U's as a fifteen year old, having played local football in Ongar and Maldon, and progressed through the Academy ranks and into the first team squad.
Earlier this season, he notched up his 100th league appearance for the U's and he is now a valuable member of John McGreal's side - captaining the side on a number of occasions.
Director of Football Tony Humes was pleased to have secured Tom's services again, saying: "He is another of our youngsters that we hold in high regard, and he deserves this new contract for the continued good form he has shown again this season."
Tom himself said of the deal: "It was always my intention to stay here longer and I'm pleased that the deal is done and dusted and I'm looking forward to a successful second half of the season."
The new contract sees Lapslie extend his stay until the summer of 2021,subject to contract approval from the relevant bodies.