New signing Ryan Dickson admits he has “landed on his feet” after joining Colchester United.

The attacking left-back has signed a one-year deal with the U’s, after impressing boss Joe Dunne during his recent pre-season trial period at the club.

Dickson, 26, had been left searching for somewhere to play his football after being released by Premier League side Southampton, at the start of last month.

He said: “It’s the first time that I’ve been in the situation where I didn’t have a club in the summer.

“I don’t think I really knew how hard it was going to be to find one.

“But since I’ve come to Colchester, I’ve landed on my feet.

“It’s a good club with the right philosophy and very good young players, with everything moving in the right direction.

“Since I’ve come to Colchester, I feel like I’ve settled quite well.

“I’ve been made to feel welcome and I think that I fit in well with the philosophy of the football club.

“I’m just looking forward to starting the season now.

“I’d been injured and I went to Yeovil to prove my fitness.

“The circumstances changed but then Colchester’s interest came up and I was grateful to come in and show what I can do.

“The work-rate from the lads is very high, as is the enthusiasm from the management and staff - that’s what you want as a player.”

Dickson has plenty of experience of playing in League One, having made more than 100 appearances in the division for the likes of Southampton, Brentford and Yeovil Town.

The former Plymouth Argyle youngster believes his ability to advance forward and support the attack will fit in well with the way U’s manager Joe Dunne wants his side to play.

“I’ve done reasonably well in League One and most of my appearances have come in that division, so I know what to expect,” said Dickson, who made 30 league and cup appearances for Southampton during his three-year spell at St Mary’s.

“I like to get forward and support the attack and that’s basically what I’ve been doing throughout my career.

“It was the same kind of philosophy at Southampton that seemed to suit me quite well.”

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