KEVIN Watson has revealed he tried to bring Richard Kone to Billericay Town prior to the striker joining Colchester United on trial.

Kone caught the eye with a dazzling display in the second half of the U's friendly win at Watson's Billericay side, on Tuesday night.

The former Athletic Newham striker scored one goal, made another and also hit the woodwork in Colchester's 3-0 triumph at their National League South opponents.

Kone is hoping to land a contract at the JobServe Community Stadium.

And former U's favourite Watson, who played more than 150 times for Colchester, says he spoke to the striker after Billericay under-23s' 1-0 defeat at the hands of Athletic Newham in the Len Cordell Memorial Cup, in May.

Watson said: "I watched our 23s play Athletic Newham and he was playing up front for them.

"I spoke to him immediately after the game and asked him if he'd like to come and have a go with us.

"But he said there was a professional club that want to have a look at him and that he'll let us know.

"To be fair, he's come on and tore us apart so fair play to him.

"There's some gems out there and it looks like in my opinion that Colchester could have got hold of one there."