DANNY Cowley has revealed he was interested in bringing Ben Goodliffe to Portsmouth during his time in charge at Fratton Park.

And the Colchester United head coach believes the U's have snapped up a player who can shine in both boxes, after finally getting his man.

Cowley has had a long-standing admiration for Goodliffe, who joined the U’s from Sutton United last month for an undisclosed fee.

READ MORE: Freddie Sears signs for Isthmian League Premier side

The 25-year-old centre-back has agreed a two-year deal, at the JobServe Community Stadium and is set to make his first appearance for his new club today in their behind-closed doors friendly at Wycombe Wanderers.

Cowley said: “We watched Ben when we were at Portsmouth.

“At the time, there was a significant transfer fee on his head.

“This time last year, Peterborough got very, very close to making that happen and we’re pleased he didn’t go there.

“Last year I think was tougher for him and he had a couple of injuries.

(Image: Richard Blaxall)

“His dad, Jason, was assistant manager and is someone that I know well.

“Him and Matt Gray lost their jobs around the Christmas period so it wasn’t easy for him but he’s a really down to earth, honest kid.”

Goodliffe made more than 150 appearances for Sutton after joining them, five years ago.

In his time at Gander Green Lane, he helped the club reach the EFL for the first time, as well as playing for them in the Papa John’s Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium, in 2022.

READ MORE: Alex Woodyard delighted to be reunited with Cowleys at U's

Prior to that, Goodliffe had been on the books of both Spurs and Wolves, as a youngster.

Cowley added: “He’s brilliant in both boxes – we talk a lot in these levels about these boxes and the importance of that and Ben is someone that enjoys defending and wants to defend.

“He’s kind of got that magnetic quality in the box where he’s able to get blocks in and what we call defending the maybes – all of the things that might happen.

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

“He does that very, very well and he’ll also score goals for us, I’m pretty sure of that.

“I look at him and I see no reason why he wouldn’t score regularly for us and add to the other end of the pitch as well.”