SAM Hornby says he would love to stay at Colchester United after helping them stay in League Two.

The 29-year-old goalkeeper is one of a number of players out of contract at the U's this summer, with talks due to take place this week between Danny Cowley and his squad now that their EFL status has been secured.

Hornby, who has been at Colchester for two and a half years having initially joined them on loan from League Two rivals Bradford City in January 2022, made his fifth successive appearance for the U's in their 1-1 draw with Crewe Alexandra at the JobServe Community Stadium, on Saturday.

READ MORE: Colchester United fans' verdict on Crewe Alexandra draw

The U's picked up a crucial seven points in that time with the reliable goalkeeper earning praise from head coach Cowley for his performances.

Experienced shot-stopper Hornby says he is keen to remain at the club.

Hornby said: “I’d love to stick around – I love it down here.

“I’ve settled in with everyone and the weather is a lot warmer than it is in the Midlands!

“I’d love to stay."

Gazette:

Hornby spent time out on loan this season at Solihull Moors, who have made it to the National League play-off final where they will face Andy Woodman's Bromley side.

The shot-stopper played four times for Solihull, before being recalled by the U's in December.

Hornby said: “The loan was brilliant – it served a good purpose for when it was needed.

“I got back home and saw my brother who came over from Sweden and it was all a positive – I couldn’t look at it as a negative situation.

READ MORE: Colchester United player ratings after Crewe Alexandra draw

“Then I came back and I love the lads here.

“They’re a brilliant group and it was good to see everyone.

“It’s how football works.

“One day you might be somewhere and the next, you might be halfway up the country.

“It was an experience and one I think I’ve personally grown from, this year."

Gazette:

Hornby says Colchester must aim for the top end of the League Two table, after staying in the EFL.

The U's have experienced relegation struggle in each of the last four years and the former Port Vale goalkeeper insists they must now strive for better things.

“We don’t want to be in this situation ever again – we want to be looking up, not over our shoulder," said Hornby.

“Let’s look forward and get this club higher up there and where it belongs.

READ MORE: U's can plan for brighter future after negotiating final day

“You saw the crowd that came to the Wrexham game for example.

“That was brilliant and it would be great to have that again every game, next season if we’re doing well and we’ve got success."

Hornby has been named in the Sky Bet League Two Team of the Week for his performance against Crewe.

 

He was included in the team after helping the U's claim the point they required to be sure of safety.