ALAN Judge has revealed he turned down offers from League One clubs to sign for Colchester United.

The 32-year-old midfielder has joined the U’s on a two-year-deal after leaving Ipswich Town.

Judge is one of a number of experienced players who have been brought in by Colchester to complement their talented youngsters, this season.

And the Republic of Ireland international says he is looking forward to playing his part in League Two – and pushing for promotion.

He said: “I had a few offers from League One and I took them all into consideration.

“But with family and when I saw the vision of what they want to try and do, it ticked all the boxes for me.

“They’re going to try and have a go this year.

“I know it didn’t go the way they wanted it maybe last year – Covid had an impact on a lot of teams and maybe it’s going a little bit different, this year.

“They’re going to have more experience in the team, through the middle of it anyway and hopefully we can help bring those young players through again and try and get into the play-offs – that’s what we’re hoping for anyway.”

Judge joins Luke Chambers, Cole Skuse and Freddie Sears in making the switch to Colchester from neighbours Ipswich, this summer.

He also previously worked with Jon De Souza, the U’s Performance Director, at Brentford.

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“I knew quite a bit about the club, because there were one or two players here I knew,” said Judge, who has also played for the likes of Blackburn Rovers and Notts County in his career.

“I know Jon (De Souza) from my time at Brentford.

“I spoke to Jon quite a bit and he sold me on the idea of what he’s trying to do.

“I know the club usually brings young players through and they’re going a little bit differently, this year.

“They want a good strength through the middle of the team and then help the young players in and around that and it’s something that I’m interested in.

“It would be good for the young lads to have more experienced players around them, players who know what it takes to be playing Saturday-Tuesday continuously.

“I know the lads who have come in well – they’re great lads and they’ll be good for the young lads, I’m sure.

“That’s what we’re here for – we’re here to help the young lads come through.”

Judge admits his time at Ipswich did not quite work out the way he had wanted.

The midfielder made 91 league and cup appearances for the Tractor Boys after joining them from Brentford in January, 2019.

He found himself out of the reckoning at Town prior to last season ending as he had made 29 league starts and a 30th would have triggered another year’s deal.

Judge added: “There were some good times at Ipswich.

“I’m not going to beat around the bush – it didn’t happen for me on the pitch because I had a few problems in my personal life, off the pitch and it all kind of coincided.

“I think anybody that knows me there and the fans knows I always gave 100 per cent when I played.

“For one reason or another, it didn’t work out the way I wanted it to work out.”