NEW signing Alex Woodyard has a point to prove at Colchester United.

That's the view of U's boss Danny Cowley, who believes the midfielder will provide battling qualities after signing for the club.

Woodyard has joined Colchester on a one-year deal, after his contract at National League side York City was cancelled by mutual consent.

READ MORE: Former Colchester winger signs for League Two club

The 31-year-old experienced a frustrating time with the Minstermen in the second half of last season, finding his opportunities limited.

Woodward is now back with U's management duo Danny and Nicky Cowley, having previously played under them at Lincoln City, Braintree Town and Concord Rangers - and the Colchester boss believes the ex-Peterborough man is eager to do well.

Cowley said: "I like Alex with a point to prove.

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"He came to me at Concord with a point to prove and I think he comes back here today with a point to prove.

"He's a great kid - he's another one with a great personality and energy and enthusiasm for football but also for winning.

"He's a fighter and I like to have enough fighters in my team."

Colchester have now made eight new signings in the summer transfer window.

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Along with Woodyard, the U's have snapped up JK Gordon, Ben Goodliffe, Lyle Taylor, Harry Anderson, Rob Hunt, Matt Macey and Jack Payne.

Colchester are set to make further signings before the transfer window closes in early September and boss Cowley feels they have recruited well.

โ€œI think it always happens like this โ€“ the players come back in and the recruitment starts to move," added Cowley.

โ€œWeโ€™ve been really pleased with the work weโ€™ve done over the last couple of weeks.

โ€œWeโ€™ve had to do a lot of background work and due diligence and then, because of the background work that youโ€™ve done, youโ€™re in a position to react once the window starts to move.

โ€œI think weโ€™ve done some good business."