FORMER Braintree Town favourite Cameron James says he is prepared to be patient in his search for a new club.

James, who made 32 league appearances for the Iron during the 2018-19 National League season, has been told by Colchester United that his contract will not renewed.

The 22-year-old had been at the U's for 13 years, having joined them at the age of nine.

But now the versatile performer is looking forward to a fresh challenge and has revealed that there has already been interest from clubs.

James said: “I’d like to think that in my season at Braintree, I established myself and showed that I can play in the National League quite comfortably.

“I’d like to think that I’ve got my name out there, especially in non-league.

“There’s been a bit of interest from a few National League and National League South clubs but nothing concrete, because things are so up in the air at the moment.

“It’s tough times at the moment for everyone.

“The only thing I can do is try and stay fit.

“I’ve put my highlights out there on social media and it’ll be about waiting for the right club.

“I’ve got some good numbers in terms of League Two and non-league over the past few seasons so hopefully that’ll put me towards the top of a few lists, among non-league clubs.

“It’s a case of being patient and seeing if anything comes."

James impressed in a central midfield role for Braintree during his two loan spells with the club, in the 2018-19 season.

“I’ve played in several positions for Colchester and other clubs," said James, who has also had loan spells at the likes of Chelmsford City, Welling United and Maidstone United.

“I played all along the defence and also come on as a substitute in midfield for them.

“But most of my experience has been as a centre-back."

James admits it will be difficult to leave Colchester, having spent such a long time at the club.

But he is hoping that his time spent out on loan at the likes of Braintree will stand him in good stead for the future.

He added: “For me personally, I’ve been out on loan for the past two or three seasons and not had too much game time at Colchester.

“It was a bit upsetting to get the news because I’ve been there so long but I think it’s the right time for me to move on.

“The football world is going to change because of the implications of the coronavirus pandemic and I’ve also been studying and covering all bases, in case I have to go part-time so I’ve been using my time productively."