Jay Mingi has left Colchester United for Stockport County

Mingi has signed a three-year deal with the Hatters, after joining them from the U’s for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old had a year remaining on his Colchester contract, having signed a two-year deal with the club last September following his departure from Portsmouth.

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Mingi started each of Colchester’s final 11 matches of this season in a defensive role and was outstanding, consistently producing impressive performances to help the club stay in the Football League.

Hatters boss Challinor told the Stockport website: “Jay had a fantastic back end of the League Two season at Colchester and showed his versatility and intelligence, switching from a familiar central midfield role to a wide centre back, right back and right wing back at times.

“We believe he has real potential to develop, whilst immediately having the physical characteristics of being front foot, aggressive and quick, which will allow him to flourish in League One as he has done previously.

“We are really looking forward to working with him and settling him into the squad from day one of pre-season.”

Stockport director of football Simon Wilson says Mingi is someone that they had been tracking for a while.

He told the club’s website: “Jay is a player we’ve known about for some time, who has always shown flashes of high potential, although without regular playing time you were unable to see it on a consistent basis.

READ MORE: Jay Mingi leaves Colchester United joins Stockport County

“That changed in the second half of the season where he excelled for Colchester, playing in a defensive role but with a real front foot approach which as supporters know, we like here at County.

“We see the potential for him to support the team in 2-3 positions and with his age and athletic qualities, we believe he has the potential to play higher.”