Elliott Parish believes he has improved as a goalkeeper this season – despite being released by Colchester United.

Parish is one of nine players who will be leaving the U’s this summer after the club decided against offering them new deals.

The 26-year-old keeper started more than half of Colchester’s games this season after joining them on a free transfer, following Sam Walker’s long-term knee injury.

The former Aston Villa trainee believes he leaves the Weston Homes Community Stadium a better keeper, despite their relegation to League Two.

Parish said: “I just hope that I get another shot and get a good club for next year, because there’s a big difference in my game now to that at the start of the season and I think people are starting to see that.

“It’s an odd one but goalkeepers mature and this season, it’s almost like something has clicked.

“It’s very odd but I feel that I’m a far better keeper now than I was when we played Blackpool at home (on the opening day of the season).

“Playing regular football does help and I’m starting to prove that I’m a decent keeper.”

Marvin Sordell, Nicky Shorey and Darren Ambrose have also been released by Colchester, following the announcement of their retained list for next season.

Colchester's players’ player of the year Joe Edwards has not been offered a new deal and is out of contract, this summer.

But the 25-year-old has an option to sign for another year and the U’s have said that they would be interested in re-signing the versatile former Yeovil Town player, “should the opportunity arise”.

Tosin Olufemi, who made 26 first-team appearances for Colchester, will also leave this summer, along with academy trio Marley Andrews, Tyler Brampton and Kieran Bailey.

Colchester have offered new contracts to Tom Eastman, Drey Wright, Dillon Barnes, Femi Akinwande, Jack Curtis and Jamie Harney.

They have also offered new terms to midfielder Alex Gilbey but the academy product looks almost certain to leave the Weston Homes Community Stadium, this summer.

Colchester have a total of 22 players who are currently under contract, as new first-team coach John McGreal and director of football Tony Humes begin to shape the squad for next season.