Colchester United head coach John McGreal says he is delighted with the signings they have made in the January transfer window.

The U’s bolstered their squad ahead of last night’s deadline, bringing in Swindon Town midfielder Sean Murray on an 18-month deal and experienced goalkeeper Dean Brill on a free transfer, following his release by Motherwell.

The arrival of the duo came hot on the heels of the arrival of striker Rekeil Pyke on loan from Huddersfield Town until the end of the season.

McGreal told the Daily Gazette: “It’s been really enjoyable being able to get three quality players over the line and we’re really pleased with the business that Robbie (Cowling) and the team have done.

“With us not having a game last weekend, it’s allowed me and Steve Ball more time than in the last window, when we had a Checkatrade Trophy match on deadline day.

“We identified the main areas that we felt needed strengthening and it’s been brilliant for me and Steve that Robbie (Cowling), Iain (Moody) and Tony (Humes) have got those bodies over the line.

“We have a decent squad now and it’s about maintaining that competition that we keep talking about.

“We also have Doug Loft and Matt Briggs coming back and it’s looking like a really good squad.”

McGreal says he is pleased to capture Murray, who played 85 times for Watford where he progressed from the academy before joining Swindon.

“I’m absolutely delighted - it was an area that we were looking to strengthen,” said McGreal.

“We lost an important midfield player in Owen Garvan for our last match at Exeter and we were filling in the position but in Sean, we have a natural midfielder to drop in there.

“He’s highly experienced at such a young age, to have played so many games.”

Keeper Brill has signed until the end of the season, after leaving Motherwell last week.

McGreal added: “We’ve been looking for a bit more of an experienced keeper since James (Bransgrove) left.

“It was very important for us to get a keeper in and we really rate Dean - he wants to push on and give competition to Sam (Walker) and Dillon (Barnes).”