Released Ipswich Town forward Freddie Sears rejoins Colchester United

Freddie Sears will be playing alongside fellow released Ipswich Town players Luke Chambers and Cole Skuse again next season after agreeing a deal to rejoin former club Colchester United.

The 31-year-old returns to the Sky Bet League Two club six years after leaving for Portman Road six-and-a-half years ago, signing a two-year contract.

The former West Ham United striker was released by the Blues last month, having clocked up 217 appearances, scoring 34 goals. He scored three times in 18 starts and 11 substitute appearances in 2020/21.

He joined Town from Colchester in January 2015 for £200,000 and his nine goals in the second half of that campaign helped the Tractor Boys reach the Championship play-offs under manager Mick McCarthy.

Sears was a fan favourite from his first spell with Colchester United, initially signing for the U's on loan from West Ham United before making the move permanent in the summer of 2012.

And he said he is delighted to be back in north Essex.

"It means more coming back, and I'm just raring to get going," he told Colchester's official website. "Coming back to the stadium, going back to the training ground, and seeing everyone again makes it feel special and I'm raring to get going again.

"I can't wait to get back in with the boys and I'm looking to the new season ahead."

Sears scored 29 league goals in 91 appearances during his first permanent spell with Colchester, having found the back of the net twice in 11 appearances while on loan with the U's from West Ham.

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