Harry Pell insists moving to the right club was his main priority following his decision to sign for Colchester United.

But the 6ft 4in midfielder, who joined the U’s from League Two rivals Cheltenham Town last month for a six-figure fee, says his family will now become U’s fans after he returned to his home county.

Pell was born in Tilbury and brought up in Essex and says he is enjoying being back in the county.

However, the 26-year-old, who had previously had talks with Blackpool about a possible move last summer, says ensuring he made the right move in his career was one of his prime considerations, after linking up with Colchester on a three-year contract.

Pell told the Daily Gazette: “Being in Essex was an important factor but the most important thing was that I moved to the right club and I feel that’s what I’ve done.

“My daughter starts school in September so that was also a big factor, as it’s a very important time for my family.

“My family can watch me play a bit more now and they will now be Colchester fans!”

Pell is currently adhering to his off-season fitness programme, having sealed his move to Colchester just days after the 2017-18 season finished.

The former AFC Wimbledon and Bristol Rovers man says he is already looking forward to the new League Two campaign.

Pell added: “I’m over the moon to have got everything completed so early and now it’s important to rest and recuperate and come back in tip-top shape, ready for the new season.

“I’ve won promotion before and I think the key is to have hard work and organisation, players scoring goals and keeping them out.

“You also need a little bit of luck along the way but at the same time, you earn you own luck.”