Ben Gordon has been told he can leave Colchester United if the right opportunity arises.

The former Chelsea youngster, who still has a year left on his contract with the U’s, has fallen down the pecking order at the Weston Homes Community Stadium since the start of the calendar year.

Matthew Briggs, who joined the U’s on a permanent deal last week, is set to be Colchester’s first-choice left-back next season.

Versatile Alex Wynter was preferred to Gordon in the position, in their previous League One campaign.

And Colchester also have in their ranks young full-backs Tosin Olufemi and Michael O’Donoghue.

Gordon is expected to report for the first day of pre-season training with the rest of the U’s squad, on Wednesday.

But Colchester boss Tony Humes says the club are prepared to consider any offers for the defender.

Humes said: “Ben didn’t play a huge part for us, last season.

“We had a discussion with him about the different possibilities that are there for him.

“He’ll either start pre-season with us or explore other options but we haven’t had anyone in for him as yet.”

Gordon joined Colchester from Scottish Premier League side Ross County last summer.

The 24-year-old started the U’s first 12 games but did not feature in the final two months of last season.

Meanwhile, Humes believes Briggs’ prior experience with Colchester will benefit him in the forthcoming campaign.

The attacking left-back played 18 games while on loan with the U’s, last season.

Briggs has signed a two-year deal with Colchester, after being released by Millwall.

Humes added: “The one thing Matt’s not had in his career is regular football.

“He made 18 appearances for us last season and that was his first real run of games.

“You could see him improving as he went on and the more he plays, the more he’ll improve.

“Both Matt and Richard (Brindley) know how the club works.

“That was one of the things we were looking for with new signings.

“We were looking for experience, not just through the number of games played but also of them being involved with us.”

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