Richard Brindley, who played a key role in preserving Colchester United’s League One status at the end of last season, completed a permanent move to the Essex club yesterday.

Talented right-back Brindley was recruited on loan from Rotherham at the end of March, marking his debut with a 2-1 win at Port Vale on Good Friday.

The U’s looked odds on for relegation, during a nervous run-in, but Tony Humes’ men only lost two of their last 10 games, and Brindley himself only suffered two defeats in his eight appearances.

Brindley capped his successful loan stay at the Weston Homes Community Stadium with another strong display in a last day 1-0 home win over Preston, which kept the U’s in League One for an eighth successive season.

The 22-year-old returned to his parent club Rotherham, at the end of the campaign, but was released by the Championship club at the start of the summer.

U’s boss Humes has therefore lost no time in snapping up Brindley on a free transfer, on a two-year deal, to complete his first signing of the close-season.

“Richard (Brindley) has committed himself to us, which is fantastic,” enthused Humes.

“He came in and fitted in very well with the squad, and he showed that he is a good quality player. He needs to play games, and we can give him that opportunity.

“He was part of that last eight to 10 games, where we found the consistency we needed, both in terms of performance and selection. He showed himself to be a solid character and he is exactly the type of player we need.

“I believe the more games he plays, the better he’s going to get,” added Humes.

The right-back slot was a problem position for the U’s last term, with Sean Clohessy, recruited by former U’s boss Joe Dunne last summer, falling out of favour with Humes during the last few months. Clohessy was released from his contract at the end of the season.

Elliott Hewitt was recruited on loan from Ipswich, to operate both as a right-back and right-winger, but it was Brindley who looked the most settled.

Humes is looking to bring further players to the club over the coming weeks. He has been in talks with three players, and a new centre-half will be one of his main priorities.