New signing Kevin Rapley believes his move to Colchester United has given his soccer career a new lease of life.

"It was never in doubt that I was going to sign, but there were a few loose ends to tie up with Notts County because I still had a year left on my contract and they weren't helping me to go.

"But I eventually signed last Thursday and I shook the gaffer's hand and said 'thanks for the chance'.

"Saturday was about my fourth game in six months and First-team football is so much quicker than reserve football. I'm getting fitter and fitter and much stronger.

"I think I've done myself justice in the games I've played, but I still need to learn about the players at the club and the system they play.

"It's a passing side and I've not been in a passing side for a long time. But come next Saturday I should be there or thereabouts."

Rapley was in the thick of the action throughout last weekend's 1-0 friendly win over First Division Wimbledon and he said afterwards: "At least I'm playing a part even if I'm not scoring. I've always been a work-horse. I'll close people down and try and make things happen.

"Goals have always come wherever I've been and it's nice to get off the mark.

"But even if you're not finding the net, you just have to keep plugging away and bring other players into it and be a pain in the neck for defenders.

"In Division Two they are going to make mistakes. It's not like you're in the Premiership where they've got a bit more quality on the ball.

"They're going to kick it out for a throw-in or they're going to panic when you hassle them and that can lead to a one-on-one or someone else getting in.

"Sometimes if you are not having the best of games you just have to keep plugging away and work hard and cause problems."

Rapley's family is based in Southport. He said: "I'm going to be looking for a flat in the Colchester area, but I'm in digs at the moment and it's good cooking, and I'm quite happy there.

"But I want to get settled in the area. I want to bring my family down. My dad follows me everywhere. He's followed me all though my career, so he comes to the games and stops overnight on a Saturday and goes back on a Sunday.

"It's a long way but I'm just happy to be playing first team football again and just having a chance to impress people and getting all that hunger back and all that desire.

"Not that it ever went but it gets knocked sideways. In my first year at Notts County I did really well but in the second year Sam Allardyce brought in other players and he went for two big lads up front and I didn't feature.

"My goalscoring record in the reserves was quite good, but to come to Colchester is a lifeline for me. Three weeks ago I was training with the youth team.

"But it's all coming back. I've still got a lot to brush up on, I know that. But I'm the last off the training pitch and I keep trying to get George Williams, the assistant manager to keep working with me and I'll work until the floodlights go out."

New U's signing Kevin Rapley

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