Matt Heath has made playing regular football his top priority after his Colchester United career came to an end.

And the experienced centre-back has insisted that he has no qualms about dropping down a division in order to fulfil his objective.

The curtain came down on Heath’s five-year spell at the U’s after he was released by the club, following boss Joe Dunne’s decision not to offer him a new contract.

The 31-year-old, who was brought to Colchester by Geraint Williams in 2008, started only six games in League One this season.

He has stressed the importance of playing more games in the 2013-14 campaign, wherever he ends up.

Heath said: “I want to play regular football and being out of the team, you get frustrated.

“It’s been a difficult season for me, watching the lads from the sidelines.

“I hope I’ll be able to get somewhere and it’s about keeping fit over the off season and wherever I end up, I’ll be raring to go for next season."

For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, see Tuesday's Gazette.