Pat Baldwin: Wants regular football, will he get it with Ward?
So it's the former Carlisle boss John Ward, who took the Cumbrians to the League One play-offs three seasons ago, to take over at our Essex friend and neighbour Colchester United.
And as new managers tend to do he's reversed the previous incumbants decisons, (Aidy Boothroyd, who was sent to Coventry), and told centre half Pat Baldwin he wants him to fight for his place in the team.
John Ward told www.cu-fc.com: "I have spoken to Pat Baldwin. I want him to be back at this club at the start of the season and I want him to be in competition with the other centre halves for that position."
He even told Pat on the day of his wedding, when he might have had other things on his mind, but still good news I suppose!
John Ward confirmed to www.greenun24.co.uk: "I rang Pat and didn't realise he was getting married. I told him I want him back and giving me competition. Hopefully that made his day even better!"
Then again Pat, who has two years left on his contract at ColU and played 17 games on loan for the Shrimpers, made it clear last week he wanted regular football.
So he might still be on offer come September time but, possibily along with another former loanee in central defender Matt Heath, midweek visits to Accrington might not be on the top of his agenda.
Their both good enough for third tier football meaning it's more likely that another partner for Adam Barrett will have to be found from somewhere, presuming that Captain Adam plans to stay!