Colchester United have made their first summer signing after snapping up Gillingham right-back Ryan Jackson.

The 26-year-old will wear the number two shirt last year worn by Richard Brindley, who turned down a new contract to stay at the U's.

Jackson has played for Gillingham in League One over the last two years, making more than 70 appearances for the Kent club.

Prior to that, he started his career at AFC Wimbledon where he made nearly 50 appearances and has also played for Macclesfield Town and Newport County during his professional career.

Jackson played under Justin Edinburgh at Newport and followed him to Gillingham but has now left Priestfield for pastures new and a fresh challenge at the U's.

The defender is John McGreal's first summer signing, as the U's head coach looks to build a squad that will challenge for promotion back to League One.