Former Colchester United striker Jamie Guy has signed for Blue Square Premier side Grays Athletic.

The 22-year-old wa released from his contract by mutual consent earlier this week and the powerful forward has spent little time in finding a new home.

Grays manager Julian Dicks said Guy had trained for the first time with the squad on Thursday and would come straight into contention for a place in the side to face Oxford United – a club Guy spent five months on loan at last season – in Blue Square Premier at the New Rec on Saturday.

Dicks said: “I have seen Jamie play a few times and he is a big strong lad who puts himself about a bit.

“It is a deal until the end of the season, but I’m hoping it is a long-term move for him.”

Guy’s U’s career was punctuated by a number of off-field problems, but his new manager feels it is a good opportunity for him to put the past behind him.

“He knows it is a good opportunity for him and I have spoken to him at length about it,” said Dicks.

“Whatever has gone on in the past has gone and while it will never leave him as long as he plays football, he can do something about it.

“It is a new start here with Grays and I only want to hear positive things on the pitch and for him to knuckle down.”

The ex-U’s striker is one of eight players former West Ham defender Dicks has brought in this week, including current Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola’s son Andrea on loan for a month.