David Fox will not be returning to Colchester United.

The experienced midfielder failed to agree terms on a new deal, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Colchester were hoping that they were able to keep Fox, who played a big part in helping them stay in League One last season.

But the 31-year-old, who is a free agent, was unable to reach an agreement and will now search for a club nearer to his Manchester-based home.

Colchester boss Tony Humes said: “I don’t think David will be coming back down.

“We wanted to keep him but he was probably looking for a bit more than we were prepared to offer and it had to be right for him.

“I think he’d like to play closer to home and unfortunately, both parties were unable to agree.

“It was a big thing for David to move down and play for us, last season.

“He had a bad injury in our game against Gillingham towards the end of the season and he went through the pain barrier for us.

“It’s a shame that we weren’t able to agree something with him but that’s football and we wish David well.”

Fox was a big influence at Colchester last season both on and off the pitch, after returning to the club for a second spell last October.

The former Norwich City playmaker initially signed a short-term deal with the U’s, whom he had previously played for in the 2009-10 season.

But having made a positive impact in the U’s midfield, he extended his stay after signing a six-month deal in January.

Fox was handed the captain’s armband, following Magnus Okuonghae’s season-ending Achilles injury against Coventry City, last November.

He made a total of 33 appearances for Colchester, helping them stay in League One with some impressive performances.

But he was unable to agree on a new deal to remain with Colchester, leaving Humes on a mission to find an experienced central midfield replacement in time for the new campaign.

Colchester’s players report for pre-season fitness testing at the club’s Florence Park training ground on Friday.

The U’s first pre-season friendly is at Ryman League division one north side Heybridge Swifts on July 11, ahead of the start of the new season on August 8.