Colchester United have announced their attacking intentions for next season, by signing striker Luke Norris from League Two rivals Swindon Town.

Norris bagged 14 goals in 38 first-team outings for the Robins last term, 13 of them in the league, and the 25-year-old is eager to continue that goal-scoring spree to help his new club secure promotion.

The U’s finished a disappointing 13th in League Two last season, but John McGreal’s men will be hoping that it’s third time lucky, in terms of promotion, in 2018-19, following their relegation from League One in 2016.

Norris has signed a three-year contract, and has moved from the County Ground for an undisclosed fee.

“If we want to get out of this division this season, we have to be in it together and work hard in all of the games ahead,” explained front-runner Norris.

“When you have those tough games on a cold and wet night, that’s when titles and play-offs are earned and we need to be together for that.

“It’s important that you do perform on those horrible games, and I hope I can help bring that into our mentality.

“I heard about the (Colchester) interest and it really excited me. I spoke to John (McGreal) and (assistant) Steve (Ball) and came away really happy, as this feels like the right move for me.

“It looks like an ambitious season with the facilities here and the squad they’ve assembled, and that really drew me in.

“I’m 25 now and have played quite a few games and scored a few goals, so I am hoping that I can carry that on and help Colchester get out of this league,” added Norris.

Norris began his professional career at Brentford, after a stint in the youth team at Hitchin, but he really made a name for himself during two seasons with Gillingham, for whom he bagged 14 goals in 70 league appearances between 2014-16, in the third tier.

Stevenage-born Norris was snapped up by Swindon for a six-figure fee, two years ago, and the Wiltshire club did exercise an option to extend his contract for an extra year, only last month, before the U’s moved in to get their man.

The U’s pre-season campaign begins with an away match at non-league Maldon & Tiptree on Saturday, July 7.