Colchester United chairman Robbie Cowling has hailed the pulling power of boss Joe Dunne in the transfer market.

The U’s supremo believes Dunne’s hunger for success has helped lure some exciting new signings to the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Colchester beat off competition from several League One clubs to sign Sanchez Watt and Craig Eastmond, following their release from Arsenal.

And striker Jabo Ibehre also spurned offers from other interested parties, in order to re-sign for the U’s.

Dunne is hoping to sign a young left-back on loan from a Premier League club before the start of the new season, on August 3.

And Cowling believes the U’s boss’s enthusiasm and growing reputation is helping Colchester capture their top targets.

Cowling said: “I have to give a lot of credit to Joe for getting these players in.

“I think the key to a good manager is someone who can persuade new players to come to his club.

“There have been a lot of people in the past who have nearly signed players but they’ve gone elsewhere."

See Thursday's Daily Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news.