Frank Nouble says head coach John McGreal was a big factor in him deciding to join Colchester United.

The 26-year-old striker has become the U’s sixth summer signing after agreeing a two-year deal from their League Two rivals Newport County.

Nouble, who played in the Premier League with West Ham United as a youngster, hit the net ten times for the Exiles during the course of their 2017-18 campaign.

Now the well-travelled 6ft 3in front man is looking forward to a fresh start at Colchester – and says McGreal and his U’s assistant Steve Ball played a big part in him joining.

Nouble told the Daily Gazette: “I’m buzzing for the challenge.

“Everyone needs a new challenge in life and I’m really looking forward to it.

“There was other interest but I was really impressed when I spoke to the manager and the assistant manager and they were a big reason behind me joining, along with the training ground and the whole infrastructure of the club.

“It’s a club that wants to go places and I want to be a part of that.

“I know about Colchester and the kind of players that have been there, over the years.

“I actually lived in Colchester for a while when I was at Ipswich, so it’s not like it’s a new area for me and it’s also close to London for me.

“I also already know people like Sammie Szmodics, Ryan Jackson, Harry Pell and Luke Prosser, so I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Nouble has signed for a Colchester side preparing for a third successive season in the fourth tier.

The former Ipswich Town attacker says it is his aim to fire the U’s back to League One.

“There’s only one aim and that is to get promoted,” said Nouble, who is capped at England under-17 and under-19 level.

“Talking to the other boys here, they want the same.

“We want to go as high as possible and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“We’re more than capable of challenging for a top-three finish.

“Last year was my first at League Two level and it was a bit of an eye opener for me.

“But I had a good year and I hope that I can reproduce the same and more for Colchester.

“I got ten goals last year for Newport playing in three different positions in the front three.

“I hope to have the same kind of year for Colchester and score a few more goals, on top of that.

“I have my targets in my head and progression is key for me.”