MATT Macey had a number of other options higher up the pyramid before opting to join Colchester United.

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

Macey has played in League One and in the Scottish Premiership earlier in his career, in addition to playing for Arsenal in both the EFL Cup and Europa League.

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He had options to play higher up but has opted to commit to Colchester, where he will play under head coach Danny Cowley.

Cowley says he is happy to have captured the services of Macey for the U's.

Cowley told www.cu-fc.com: “We’re delighted to be able to bring Matt to the club.

"He had a number of options higher up the pyramid, and we are so pleased that he sees the same potential in this football club as we do.

Gazette: Matt Macey

"For Nicky and I, the number one and number nine are always key positions.

“Our previous successes have always been built on having an excellent defence and keeping clean sheets.

"Matt has some incredible attributes and a wealth of experience that will really help our young group.”

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

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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.