Bond had a successful loan spell at Lancaster City in 2006

Barrow midfielder Andy Bond has become Colchester United boss John Ward's first summer signing.

The 25-year-old has agreed a two-year deal with the U's after making 88 appearances for the Bluebirds in the Blue Square Premier.

Ward told BBC Essex: "He comes as a marauding midfield player with a lot of energy and running work in him.

"He's a guy who is very hungry for the game and wants to do well in his career so I'm very pleased to get him in."

Bond was part of the Barrow side that achieved promotion to the top tier of the non-league pyramid in 2008 and won the FA Trophy at the end of last season.

"One or two people up there have [in Cumbria] recommended him to me and said this guy is well worth it," added Ward.

"He's been in touch with three or four other football clubs as well so I see it as a coup that we've got him here as a championship side have spoken to him."

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Bond, who started his career as a Crewe trainee, turned down a new contract at Holker Street and had been linked with Cumbrian neighbours Carlisle.

Ward also confirmed midfielder David Prutton and right-back Phil Ifil will not be signing new deals at the club and are both set to leave.

"He's got a move that suited his family better which is fine but I wanted David to stay," said Ward.

"We made an offer to Phil but then held it in abeyance for a little bit and because I've brought in Brian Wilson I've had to withdraw that."

Meanwhile midfielder Lloyd James, striker James Walker and Ben Coker are having trials at Colchester.

James, 22, was released by Southampton at the end of last season.

Walker, also 22, featured for Southend during the last campaign, while Coker currently plays for non-league Bury Town.

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