Freddie Sears “deserves a crack at the next level” according to Colchester United manager Tony Humes.

The U’s leading goalscorer has left the club today to join their East Anglian rivals Ipswich Town, for an undisclosed fee.

Sears has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Town, where he join in with their push for promotion to the Premier League.

Humes admitted the striker will be missed – but does not begrudge him the opportunity to play in the Championship.

He said: "Freddie has got a two in one goal scoring ratio but his game is about much more than just scoring.

"His work-rate and overall performances have been excellent for us and he will be missed.

"He deserves a crack at the next level and we all wish him well for the future."

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.