Cousins Pens New U's Deal

Colchester United goalkeeper Mark Cousins has put pen-to-paper on a new deal with the U's.

Cousins, 21, has agreed a one-year contract to extend his stay in North Essex. The young 'keeper has come through the ranks at Layer Road and made his first-team debut against Barnsley in August 2007. He also featured away to Bristol City at the beginning of the year.

He told CU-FC.com: 'I am very happy to be signing and to get another year.

'Hopefully, I will be able to push on even more next season and push Deano (Dean Gerken) for the number one shirt.

'I was very pleased to get my first team debut and I was glad that it came quite early in the season.

'It obviously wasn't the best season for the team, but it was good to be able to play in the Championship and against the quality of players in that division.'

Cousins, who has had temporary spells with Whitton United and Yeading, revealed he has spoken to U's chief Geraint Williams about a loan deal elsewhere.

He continued: 'I have spoken with the gaffer about it and we both think that first team football will be important to me whether here or somewhere else if I don't get into the Colchester first team,' he added.

'I have been playing reserve team football for three seasons now and so I need competitive football and wouldn't mind going out on loan.'