FORMER Colchester United defender Richard Brindley has signed for National League side Eastleigh.

The 31-year-old right-back, who was linked with a return to the U’s last month following his release by Notts County, has joined the Spitfires.

Brindley told the Eastleigh website: “I’m really happy – I’m glad to get the deal sorted and I’m looking forward to it now.

“I want to win, I’m very hungry to win and I guess you could say it’s something I bring out of my team-mates, in terms of a winning mentality and doing the right things, on and off the pitch.

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“Over the years, I’ve obviously learnt from a lot of the best players in the Premier League and Championship and I’ve been able to take a lot of those qualities especially the mental side, which I think is one of the biggest factors in the game today.”

Brindley spent two seasons with Colchester between 2015 and 2017, having initially joined them on loan from Rotherham United, in the 2014-15 season under Tony Humes.

The experienced defender made 76 league and cup appearances for the U's, having previously helped Rotherham United win promotion to the Championship in 2014.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

Norwich-born Brindley came through the Canaries' academy before joining National League South side Chelmsford City.

He joined Chesterfield and spent half a season there before moving to Rotherham and then the U's.

Brindley left Colchester in the summer of 2017 to join Barnet and also had a spell at Bromley before joining Notts County, in September 2019.

He helped the Magpies win promotion from the National League and was a mainstay of the team that went up to League Two.

Brindley was released by Notts County at the end of last season and has now signed for Eastleigh.