TOM Hopper says his move to Colchester United 'ticks a lot of boxes' after the striker returned to Essex.

The 29-year-old forward has become the U's latest January recruit after joining them from Lincoln City, for an undisclosed fee.

Hopper has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with Colchester, sealing a return to the county having previously had an 18-month stint at Southend United.

And after linking up with the U's, the experienced striker says he happy to be back in the area with Colchester.

Hopper said: "I'm happy to be here.

"They've obviously had a busy transfer window, with players coming in.

"The club's going in the right direction and I want to be part of that.

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"The family are based down here and the manager and the way the club want to progress, I'm excited to be a part of that.

"When you play football, you move around the country a lot.

"When I first moved to Essex four or five years ago, it was the first place that really felt like home.

"There's lots to tie me to the area and I'm happy to be back here.

"I've got a daughter and a partner based down here so that came into my thinking along with the chance to join a club that wants to progress - it ticks a lot of boxes.

"If you're happy at home, then that translates onto the football pitch.

"You get the best out of yourself that way and I'm hoping that will be the case here."

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Hopper is the latest of six new signings Colchester have made so far, in this month's transfer window.

The additions have increased competition for places within the U's squad but the former Leicester City youngster says it something he will relish.

"Like anywhere you come into, you have to work hard and earn your place and I don't think it'll be any different here," said Hopper.

"There's plenty of squad depth and I'm looking forward to that competition.

"It's about pushing people on and helping everyone else progress."

Hopper made 100 appearances for Lincoln during his three-year spell at the club, scoring 21 times.

He played a big role in the Imps team that reached the League One play-off final in 2021, scoring in both the semi-final legs against Sunderland.

Hopper was also captain of Lincoln, this season.

"I've had three great years at Lincoln," said Hopper, whose final game for Lincoln came in their 0-0 draw at MK Dons, on January 14.

"We've had some great highs and some lows as well and that's the nature of football.

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"They're great football and I played a lot of football there but life moves on.

"I've obviously not played as much football as I've wanted to this year due to illness.

"That happens in football but numerous factors came into it.

"It's a very young squad at Lincoln and I was one of the more senior members.

"That won't change or be any different for me and I'll try and lead by example.

"It was a big honour being captain at Lincoln and something I thoroughly enjoyed.

"It came with its own responsibilities as it does but it's something I really enjoyed and stepped up to, for sure."

Hopper is hoping to make his Colchester debut when they travel to play Hartlepool United tomorrow.

It is a big match for both sides, with just five points separating the two clubs just above the League Two drop zone.

Hopper added: "Every game is important, it doesn't matter who it's against.

"It's an old cliche but we'll focus on the next game and try and put points on the board."