Colchester United new boy Jayden Richardson on loan move

The 23-year-old right-back has joined the U’s on loan until the end of the season from Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen.

Richardson made a competent debut for Colchester in their 1-1 draw with Bradford City, last weekend.

And the former Nottingham Forest youngster says he did not have to think twice about agreeing to join the U’s and play under Danny and Nicky Cowley.

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Richardson said: “Once I heard that they wanted me, it was a massive positive.

“Having had previous conversations with them (the Cowleys) in seasons before, it was a massive no brainer for me.

“I’ve settled in fine, everyone here has been welcoming - I can’t thank everyone enough for making me feel welcome.

“Every club is different and everything is a different scenario but I’ve been at a couple of clubs now, so I’m used to it.”

Richardson spent the first half of this season on loan at League Two title chasers, Stockport County.

However, all 11 of his league appearances for the Hatters came as a substitute and the athletic full-back is now targeting match minutes, with the U’s.

“I didn’t get as much game time recently, so coming here and playing is the biggest thing,” said Richardson, who scored for Exeter City against Colchester in the 2019-20 League Two play-off semi-final second leg.

“Most footballers just want to play football and that’s why I came here, to take that opportunity and hopefully I can give back to Colchester by playing.

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“I’d trained once (before the Bradford game) so it was me getting to know everyone and how everyone else plays.

“The manager here is big on relationships, so hopefully over the time these will build and get better.

“The formation suited me perfectly but also the manager tries to make it fit for everyone else, too.

“It was lopsided (against Bradford) because I like to go a bit higher and (Tom) Dallison tucks in a little bit more but the manager is working on things for everyone.”

Despite finding his game time restricted at Stockport, defender Richardson has high praise for the League Two promotion chasers.

He said: “Stockport is an unbelievable club.

“I came into a team that was flying as a loan player they’ve all played together for many a season so it was tough for me to break in, especially when they were on a 12-game winning streak.

“But it’s an amazing place and an amazing team, facilities and people.”

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Richardson is hoping to chalk up his first win as a Colchester player tomorrow night when they travel to play Salford City, who sit just two points above them in the table.

He added: “Every game’s a challenge for us.

“Everyone knows in this league that anyone can beat anyone and every game’s a fight.

“Every game is tough but we need to try and climb the table as much as possible.

“It’s my third season in League Two now so hopefully, I can add my value to this team and do as well as I can for them.”