Ipswich midfielder Darren Ambrose has joined Colchester on a one-year deal.The 31-year-old joins the Weston Homes club after returning to Town in 2014, following a loan spell at Chalton Athletic.
He has been training with Mick McCarthy's squad during pre-season.
Colchester manager Tony Humes was delighted to have signed the experienced player.
Meanwhile teenage defender Josh Emmanuel, who was in the academy, has signed a professional two-year contract at Portman Road, after impressing McCarthy throughout pre-season.