Colchester land Lawrence
Colchester have signed teenage midfielder Byron Lawrence following his release by Ipswich.
Lawrence, who came through the youth ranks at Town, has put pen to paper on a one-year contract.
The 18-year-old has already featured for the Us' Under-21 side and becomes new boss Tony Humes' first signing.
"I think this is further evidence of how we're trying to bring exciting young talent into the club," Humes told Colchester's official club website.
"We want to generate footballers for the first team via our own academy but we also have to be aware of other good young players that may be around, especially if we feel they're of a calibre that will make the first team.
"Byron has shown in his two performances for the Under-21's that there is a good player there and we're pleased to have him on board."
Lawrence became the second youngest player in Ipswich's history when he made his debut against Doncaster in April 2012 aged 16, in what was his only first-team appearance for the Tractor Boys.