COLCHESTER United have made their first signing of this month's transfer window after snapping up Crawley Town defender Tom Dallison.

The 25-year-old centre-back has bolstered the U's defensive options after signing a two-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee, subject to the relevant paperwork being ratified.

Dallison was due to see his contract at Crawley expire, at the end of the season.

 

Colchester head coach Hayden Mullins said: "He's a welcome addition.

"He knows League Two, he's versatile, he's played left-back for Crawley and as a left-sided centre-half in a three and he can play as a centre-back, in a back four.

"He knows the league and he's a bit of the depth that we needed.

"He carries the ball well and he's a good defender and a good size.

"We've got a really hectic game schedule coming up, with the number of games we have and injuries that could come up.

"Tom was available - he's one that's been on our list that we liked.

"It was one that we had the chance to get done and it's done quite early, which is good."

Gazette:

Flashback - Tom Dallison (right) in action for Crawley Town against Colchester United's Frank Nouble Picture: RICHARD BLAXALL

Dallison started his career at Brighton and Hove Albion but did not make a senior appearance for the South Coast club.

He had loan spells at Accrington Stanley, Cambridge United, Crawley, Braintree Town and Dartford during his time with the Seagulls.

Dallison eventually left Brighton on a permanent basis in July 2018 to join Falkirk, on a free transfer.

He made 17 league and cup appearances for the Scottish club before joining returning to Crawley on a permanent basis in January, 2019.

He spent two years with the Reds, making 66 league appearances - 62 of which were starts - for the West Sussex club.

Dallison was a regular starter for Crawley in the opening weeks of the campaign.

But he had not started a league game for John Yems' side since featuring in their 3-1 home defeat to Exeter City, on October 19.

Dallison could make his Colchester debut in their League Two clash with Rochdale, on Saturday.