Colchester United have signed trialists Jackson Ramm and Merrick James-Lewis after they impressed while on trial this summer.

Former Blackburn Rovers defender Ramm, 19, has penned a one-year deal with the U's, while ex-Southend United midfielder James-Lewis has signed for six months.

U's boss John Ward is planning for the future and the pair are likely to feature predominantly in Colchester's new under-21 team this season.

See the Gazette for all of the latest Colchester United news.