An easy decision.

New-boy Matt Heath said he did not have to think twice about joining Colchester United.

After spending nearly two months on loan with the U's from Leeds United at the end of the current season, the 6ft 4in defender has now penned a three-year contract with the club.

And after learning he had no future at Elland Road, Heath had no hesitation in accepting Colchester's offer of a permanent switch to north Essex.

He told the Gazette: "Being in the situation I was in at Leeds United - where I was told I could go on loan - when Colchester came in for me it was an easy decision.

"I had a chat with Gary McAllister (the Leeds manager) and the situation hadn't really changed for me.

"He's looking to bring in his kind of players and I knew that I had to find a new club.

"Colchester expressed their interest and it was a chance I jumped at."

Heath made five appearances for Colchester, as they battled in vain to avoid relegation from the Coca-Cola Championship.

And in that time, the U's lost only once.

The 26-year-old made a big impression on manager Geraint Williams.

Williams told the U's website: "He (Heath) came down on loan and was unfortunate to pick up a few niggly injuries, so didn't play as much as he would have liked.

"However, in the games that he did play, he showed some very good qualities that I feel will improve the team."

Having sealed his move to Colchester, Heath has set his sights on helping the club clinch a immediate return to the Championship.

However, he warned the U's must keep their prize assets, if they are to successfully make the step up.

"Colchester have a lot of good things going for them," said the former Leicester and Coventry defender.

"They have the new stadium, a new training ground on the way and the manager wants the best for the club.

"I think the squad that we have is worthy of getting the club back into the Championship and I hope that we can keep our best players."