COLCHESTER United have made their second signing of the January transfer window after snapping up right-back Jayden Richardson on loan from Aberdeen.

The 23-year-old will spend the rest of the season at the U’s and could make his debut in their home clash with Bradford City tomorrow.

Richardson, who will wear number 26 during his time at Colchester, says he is looking forward to playing at his new club.

READ MORE: Danny Cowley's message to U's fans ahead of first home game

He told Col U TV: "I'm unbelievably excited - it came about so quickly.

"I was on the phone yesterday so it has been a quick turnaround and I can't wait to get started."

Richardson started his career at Nottingham Forest where he came through the academy and went on to make four senior appearances.

He signed a professional contract with Forest in April 2019 and made his first team debut for them against Bradford City in the Carabao Cup and also made two appearances in the Championship.

During his time at the City Ground, the Nottingham-born defender had loan spells at Exeter City, Forest Green Rovers and Notts County, where he earned a place in the National League Team of the Season in the 2021-22 campaign.

He joined Aberdeen on a permanent basis in the summer of 2022.

Gazette:

He made 24 appearances for the Dons in the 2022-23 season, helping them finish third in the Scottish Premiership.

Richardson spent the first half of this season on loan at promotion-chasing Stockport County, where he made 17 appearances.

He is now looking forward to the second half of the season on loan at the U’s, where he will play under the club’s new management duo of Danny and Nicky Cowley.

He added: “I know what great people they are and what they can do.

“The energy and the feeling about them coming in here is massive so hopefully, that will help out the club as well."

Richardson follows Conor Wilkinson in joining Colchester in this month's window and is in line to make his debut in their home clash with Bradford tomorrow.