Colchester United have snapped up Dan Holman on a two-year deal.

Former Braintree Town front-runner Holman, who turned down the offer of a new contract at Cressing Road this summer, had a trial with Southend United last week.

But instead Holman, who was Iron’s leading scorer with 13 goals last season, has signed for the U’s.

Veteran striker Clinton Morrison left the U’s at the end of last season, so Holman’s arrival has bolstered manager Joe Dunne’s attacking options, giving extra competition to the likes of Jabo Ibehre, Macauley Bonne and Freddie Sears.