CURTIS Haynes-Brown has spoken of “the best feeling in the world” at signing a two-year deal with League One side Yeovil Town.

The Ipswich-born defender put pen to paper on his contract on Monday before training with his new colleagues the following day and then came on as a substitute and played the final 20 minutes in a 1-1 draw against Cardiff City in a pre-season friendly that evening.

Haynes-Brown, who last season was playing for Lowestoft Town in the Ryman League Premier Division, said: “I was absolutely over the moon when they offered me a contract. It was the best feeling in the world.”

After an unsuccessful trial at Crewe Alexandra, 22-year-old Haynes-Brown said he was invited to Yeovil for a trial and then played 60 minutes of a pre-season friendly against Poole Town.

“I came off the pitch with mixed emotions. I felt I had a reasonable game, but I didn’t know what they were thinking - managers can be hard to read - especially as I have been in that situation before and then told I am not being taken on.”

His elation at subsequently being offered a contract was in stark contrast to when he was shown the door at 17 by Colchester United, with whom he had been since he was just eleven-years-old, and had to drop down to non-league level, starting at Ipswich Wanderers in the Ridgeons League.

“That was one of the lowest points in my life, but you have to keep going and bounce back. To be honest, there were many times that I thought about giving up trying, but my dad (Val Haynes) would never let me do so. You have to keep going and play the best you can.

“I was fortunate that I had people at Lowestoft and before that at AFC Sudbury to help me. Chris Tracey gave me a lot of guidance at AFC Sudbury and all the management team at Lowestoft - Adie Gallagher, Mick Chapman, Craig Fleming and Dave Carolan - helped me last season.

“Craig Fleming (the former Norwich City centre back) took me under his wing as I moved to play at centre half having been a left back. I am grateful for what they have all done for me,” he added.

“Now I can wait to get started and I am really looking forward to this season with Yeovil,” he added.