Colchester United target Richard Brindley says he intends to take his time before deciding on his next club.

The attacking right-back, who played eight games on loan at the U’s at the end of this season, is now a free agent after being released by Championship side Rotherham United.

Brindley has already held provisional discussions with Colchester boss Tony Humes about a permanent move to the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The 22-year-old says he enjoyed his time at the U’s - but insists he will not rush into his next move.

Brindley said: “I’m glad that the situation at Rotherham has been resolved quickly.

“I spoke to (Rotherham boss) Steve Evans and I appreciate him letting me go, because they have activated the option to keep me for another year.

“It was exactly what I hoped for and expected and I’ll go and enjoy my summer with friends.

“My agent and I will discuss everything and I plan to be 100 per cent involved with anything that happens.

“I’m sure he’ll keep me informed and we’ll discuss things properly.

“Of course, the Championship is where I want to be right now and I feel I deserve another chance at that level.

“But I played for Scunthorpe and Colchester in League One and I really enjoyed it.

“That division would also be suitable for me and playing regular football is what I want.

“I’ll see what happens and see what I get offered, football-wise.”

Brindley says he relished being part of the Colchester side that preserved their League One status on the final day of the season.

The former Chelmsford City defender tasted defeat just twice after joining the U’s on loan from the Millers, at the end of March.

“The manager and the players were great to me during my loan spell at Colchester and I was very appreciative of that,” added Brindley.

“It’s definitely an experience I really enjoyed and I’m grateful that the manager had faith in my ability and gave me that chance.

“I was only at Colchester for six weeks but I felt part of the team.

“We had a brilliant run – there were some tough fixtures and it was difficult.

“But when I first came in, I said there was a good chance of the club staying up and I had full faith that we would do it.

“We went into the Preston game confident that we could get a win and that’s what we did.”

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