Dean Hammond has completed his move from Colchester United's Coca-Cola League One rivals Southampton.

Hammond, 26, turned down the offer of a new deal with the U's in favour of a move to St Marys.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder has moved for an undisclosed fee and has signed a three-year contract with the Saints.

Hammond, who was voted Colchester's player-of-the-year last season, made 63 appearances for the U's after joining them from home-town club Brighton in January, 2008.

Watch a interview with Dean Hammond courtesy of our sister paper, the Southern Daily Echo: