ALEX Newby says he is happy to join a club where he feels 'valued and wanted' after signing for Colchester United.

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder has joined the U's on a two-year deal, after he left fellow League Two rivals Rochdale.

Newby, who started his career at Bolton Wanderers, made 82 appearances across two seasons for the Dale, scoring 13 times.

He is now relishing a fresh challenge with Colchester and says he is looking forward to his new challenge.

Newby (pictured below playing against Colchester last season), told CUFC: "The set-up here is fantastic for the level - they're all excellent facilities.

"It's a big club and I just wanted to come somewhere that made me feel valued and wanted.

"The gaffer showed that sort of interest and I couldn't be happier to get it signed.

"I knew he (Wayne Brown) was the interim manager last year and I kept an eye on results.

"It was all really positive, from the time he came in until the end of the season.

Gazette:

"Hopefully we can hit the ground running and continue the form that they left off on, last season.

"I'm really excited to get started with the new lads and I just want to get going now.

"It's always good to come in early in pre-season, so that I'm not playing catch up on fitness or anything like that.

"I can get myself adjusted really early, before the season starts.

"I think I played against most of them (Colchester players) last season and I'm excited to meet everyone.

"You want to get the minutes in your legs in pre-season and I'm looking forward to that.

"I've got ambitions to finish as high as possible, possibly reach the play-offs and get promoted.

"From what I've heard they're great lads with great team spirit.

"I just hope I can add to that and help us kick on."

After starting out at Bolton, midfielder Newby then moved onto home town club Barrow.

He signed for Chorley in February 2018 and helped them win promotion to the National League, in 2019.

Newby played 94 games for Chorley, scoring 24 goals, before moving to Rochdale on a two-year deal in the summer of 2020.

He spent two seasons at the Dale and was a regular in their starting line-up but has now joined the U's.

He added: "I'm an attacking player.

"I like to dribble and be positive in possession and get at teams and make things happen and bring goals and assists.

"I think I'm a really positive player that can help to excite the fans."