Colchester United new boy David Fox will enhance the U’s chances of winning promotion.

That’s the view of former Manchester United youth coach David Williams, who coached Fox as a youngster at Old Trafford.

Fox - along with the likes of current Premier League stars Darren Fletcher, Kieran Richardson and Chris Eagles - learnt his trade under Williams at United.

Williams - who now coaches Wales’ under-21, under-19 and under-17 sides - always felt midfielder Fox could make an impression in the game.

And after seeing him make the switch to Colchester from Blackpool, Williams knows his former scholar can shine at his new club.

Williams told the Gazette: “If you watch Foxy for the first time, the one thing you will notice straight away is his passing.

“It’s his ability on the ball and his range of both short and long passing that really stands out.

“He’s very talented - he’s very comfortable on the ball and has very good vision.

“He was certainly very committed to what he wanted to achieve.

“David was always very focused and I’m not surprised he has gone on and done well.

“His dad, Peter, was a professional goalkeeper and I think that came with the territory.

“The incentive is now there for him to show people inside and outside of the club exactly what he can do.

“He is the type of player who will relish that challenge and he will be professional.”

Fox, 25, spent more than five years at Manchester United as a youngster.

He signed a professional contract at the age of 17 and captained United’s reserve team but failed to break into the first team at Old Trafford.

After loan spells at Royal Antwerp and Shrewsbury, Fox moved to Blackpool on a free transfer in 2006.

He is now looking to further his career with the U’s and former coach Williams feels he has the right temperament to do so.

“The bar is very high at Manchester United,” added Williams, who has also coached at Everton and Leeds United.

“But the young players know that providing they have a good attitude, there’s every chance that if they don’t make it there, they can make the grade somewhere else.

“The opportunity to go to Manchester United and the possibility to have a career there is very tempting to every young player.

“It can be disappointing when you don’t make it there.

“But I think Foxy was always realistic and he took advantage of his experiences there.”