FORMER Colchester United striker Rekeil Pyke has signed for their League Two rivals Grimsby Town.

The 25-year-old, who made 12 appearances for the U's on loan from Huddersfield Town during the 2016-17 season, has signed a two-year deal with the Mariners after joining them from Shrewsbury Town.

Gazette:

Pyke told the Grimsby website: “I’m delighted to have got it over the line and I can’t wait to get going!”

“The manager seems very ambitious and he said there’s a good group of lads here – I want to be a part of it.

READ MORE: U's snap up promising Southampton defender on loan

“I would say I’m powerful, can get hold of the ball and I like to be one against one with defenders and try to take them on. Hopefully, I can add some goals as well!”

 

Pyke made his first-ever Football League start while on loan at Colchester, under John McGreal.

The striker also had loan spells at the likes of Port Vale, Rochdale and Wrexham before leaving Huddersfield to join Shrewsbury in August, 2020.

READ MORE: Tributes are paid to 'inspirational' U's youth coach

Pyke made 42 appearances in all competitions for the League One club last season, scoring three goals and contributing five assists.

Grimsby boss Paul Hurst told the Grimsby website: “We’ve signed Rekeil as a centre forward and he’s someone we have been aware of for some time when he first broke through as a younger player at Huddersfield.

 

“Most recently, he’s been at Shrewsbury where to be fair to him he’s played in a different position and shown a bit of versatility, adaptability and also a good attitude to do a job for the team.

“We’ve certainly brought him in as a centre-forward and we think he’s a good age. He’s another one of those players, from speaking to him and watching him, we’re in agreement that there’s more to come."