Johnnie Jackson has left Colchester United and has signed for Coca-Cola League Two leaders Notts County.

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, who joined the U's in 2006, has had his contract cancelled at the Weston Homes Community Stadium and has moved to Meadow Lane.

He will join up with former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, who is director of football at the Nottinghamshire club.

Former U's loanee Karl Hawley is also a new arrival at County over recent weeks.

Jackson handed in a transfer request last month after expressing his desire to play in his favoured central midfield role.

The arrival and form of David Fox meant that Jackson's opportunities of playing in the role for Colchester would be limited this season.

The 27-year-old, who celebrated his birthday last week, made more than 100 league appearances for the U's, scoring 13 goals.

He initially joined Colchester on loan from Spurs in 2003, making eight appearances.

Jackson, who was voted as Colchester's player of the year in the 2007-08 season, was a regular in the U's team during their two-year stint in the Coca-Cola Championship.

But last season he was hampered by injury and always expressed his desire to play in midfield.

For all of the latest U's news, including a full preview of tomorrow night's home against Gillingham, see tomorrow's Gazette.