Sam Stockley says he wants to carve out a new life for himself at Colchester United when he finally completes his free transfer from Oxford United today.

The 25-year-old attacking defender is expected to rubber-stamp a new year-and-a-half deal unless there are any last-minute hitches.

And happy that his two-month wait and loan period is now over, the former Southampton trainee can't wait to get stuck into his new challenge.

Family man Stockley said: "I've agreed terms with the gaffer and everything is done and dusted except the signing.

"The deal has to be right because I will be looking to move my family down to Colchester."

Stockley said as he looks ahead to a new and brighter future: "Without going into the reasons, I had a really terrible time at Oxford and after playing five or six years in the Third Division, Colchester have given me the chance to move up the League and I'm determined to make the most of it."

Published Thursday October 31, 2002

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