Released Town keeper Mike Salmon looks likely to join the large ex-Ipswich contingent at Layer Road. The veteran stopper was told his Town career was at an end last month after joining the Blues in the summer of 1999.

Salmon, who failed to make a first team appearance in his time at Portman Road, spoke with Colchester manager Steve Whitton yesterday and has been offered a contract.

Whitton's side are a keeper short after Andy Woodman joined Oxford at the end of last season. Currently their only senior keeper is Simon Brown.

Fellow ex-Town man Whitton says that Salmon's experience and coaching qualifications make him an attractive propect for the Layer Road club: "I have spoken to Mike and made his an offer. He is an experienced keeper and he is also a qualified goalkeeper coach.

"Mike is keen to keep on playing after heing released by Ipswich, and as a coach he could be a big help for Simon [Brown]."

Salmon, who also has enjoyed spells at Charlton, Wrexham, Bolton, Stockport, Chester, Blackburn and Oxford, has gone away to think about the offer.

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