Colchester United’s out-of-contract trio have every right to hunt for better deals this summer, according to boss Joe Dunne.

Ryan Dickson, David Wright and goalkeeper Mark Cousins are yet to put pen to paper on fresh terms offered to them by the U’s at the end of the season.

Dunne is hoping they follow in the footsteps of attacker Dominic Vose and sign their contracts.

But the Colchester manager admits he does not blame them for biding their time before making a decision over their future.

Dunne said: “I spoke to Mark, David and Ryan just before we broke up for the summer.

“They know exactly where they stand and I’ve said “this is where we are - go and have a break now”.

“The fact that I’ve offered them contracts shows that they are all players who I want to keep.

“We’ve been very open in our meetings - we’ve spoken and been very clear about our offers.

“Ryan Dickson has the opportunity to take the option but he’s obviously taking the opportunity to use the summer to look for better deals and I completely understand that.

“I’ve been in their situation.

“We’ve offered them what we feel we can reach and obviously they and their representatives want to try and get what’s right for them - that’s football.

“I fully understand that and it was part of the discussions that we had - I’m not going to pull my hair out over it.

“They have to do what’s right for them and their families as well and we can let that one develop through the summer.”

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