MATT Macey believes there is a ‘positive vibe’ at Colchester United after becoming the club’s first summer signing.

The 29-year-old goalkeeper has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the U’s, having left Portsmouth at the end of last season.

Macey told www.cu-fc.com: “I’m really delighted it’s all done and it’s a nice feeling, to have it done so early.

READ MORE: Colchester United confirm capture of keeper Matt Macey

“I can enjoy the rest of the summer and I’m really excited to come back in now.

“I’ve spoken to them (the Cowleys) and spoken to people about the club and there’s definitely a really positive vibe about the place.

“I’m excited to be a part of that and hopefully have a good successful season.

“It’s going to be completely fresh.

“I’ve met a lot of people in the game but it turns out that I haven’t seen any off the top of my head that are at this club.

“It’s always nice, getting to meet new people and it’ll be fun, on the first day of training.”

Gazette: Matt Macey

Macey started his career at Bristol Rovers but did not make a first-team appearance for them.

The 6ft 6in keeper joined Premier League club Arsenal in 2013 and during his time at the Emirates Stadium, had loan spells at Accrington Stanley, Luton Town and Plymouth Argyle before he left in 2021 to join Scottish Premiership side Hibernian.

He spent a year at the Edinburgh club before returning south of the border to rejoin Luton on a permanent basis, in the summer of 2022.

Macey joined Portsmouth on loan in January 2023 and eventually signed for the South Coast club on a permanent basis, before being released at the end of this season.

READ MORE: Bluebirds appoint former Spurs midfielder as new boss

“I was most recently at Portsmouth last year and a little bit, the season before, which was a really good time for me and the club,” said Macey.

“Before then, I was playing in Scotland and before then, I had loans while I was at Arsenal.

“I’ve been a little bit everywhere, a bit all over the country and I’ve had some really high, good experiences and some really tough experiences.

“It’s all part of the journey to where I am now.

“I played in League Two when I was younger, I’ve played in League One and in Scotland.

Gazette: Matt Macey

“Everything is a different challenge but I’ll be using all of that experience in the best way, to help the club be successful this season.”

Macey is hoping to be part of a Colchester side challenging at the top end of League Two next season, after a challenging 2023-24 campaign.

He added: “I think League Two is quite wide open, this year.

“There won’t be the giants that were involved last year so much, so that’s exciting for everyone.

“I think typically, League Two is a league where everyone can beat everyone, on their day.

“That’s just what makes it exciting, every weekend so I’m sure there’ll be a lot of close, competitive games.

“I’m really excited by the fact that the league season is wide open.”