Colchester United boss Phil Parkinson has swooped to sign striker Marino Keith - reportedly on a free transfer - from Coca-Cola Championship side Plymouth Argyle.

He moved quickly following the departure of top-scorer Craig Fagan to League One high-flyers Hull City on Monday. And, after completing the deal, he insisted the move was a long-term signing.

The U's boss said: "I have been searching for an experienced striker for a while now.

"In the summer we missed out on Alun Armstrong and Iwan Roberts. It has been my aim to bring someone like that to the club and to have them here for a long period of time.

"Keith is an honest lad. He is the sort of player who you know will work hard throughout the entire match and it's vital to have that."

More in today's Evening Gazette

More on Colchester United FC

Have your say on our Views on the U's bulletin board

Published Wednesday, March 2, 2005

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette