TOM Flanagan says he is 'excited about the project' after signing for Colchester United.

The 32-year-old has become the U's ninth summer signing, after joining them from League One side Shrewsbury Town.

Flanagan made more thanย 80 appearances in a two-and-a-half year spell with Salop, before being released at the end of last season.

The 6ft 4in Northern Ireland international says he is delighted to sign for the U's and play under Danny and Nicky Cowley.

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Flanagan told cu-fc.com: โ€œDanny got in touch and asked what I think and I was really motivated to make it happen.

โ€œThat was it really, I find myself here and Iโ€™m really excited about it.

โ€œI looked at the table and the squad and obviously know Danny and Nicky โ€“ and that was the main motivation factor.

โ€œAt my age, I want to finish up with a bit of success and enjoy my last few years.

โ€œI wanted to do something I was going to enjoy, and I know I am going to enjoy it here โ€“ Iโ€™m excited about the project.โ€

(Image: CU-FC.COM)

Flanagan started his career at MK Dons where he emerged from the academy and played nearly 50 first-team games.

He had loan spells at Plymouth Argyle, Barnet, Gillingham and Kettering Town before leaving to join Burton Albionย in the summer of 2015.

Flanagan, who has made 13 appearances for Northern Ireland,ย played in the Championship for the Brewers and spent three years there for joining Sunderland in 2018, where he made more than 100 appearances.

The London-bornย defender then joined Shrewsbury in January 2022 and was there for two-and-a-half years before being released at the end of last season and is now looking forward to a new challenge with the U's.