LEE Beevers never quite made the grade at Ipswich Town, but he will be out to prove a point just 15 miles down the A12 at Colchester United.

Carl Marston

LEE Beevers never quite made the grade at Ipswich Town, but he will be out to prove a point just 15 miles down the A12 at Colchester United.

Versatile defender Beevers became the U's third new recruit of the summer, following former loanee Ashley Vincent's predicted permanent move from Cheltenham and the arrival of midfielder David Fox from Blackpool, both completed several weeks ago.

Beevers has signed from Lincoln City on a free transfer. The 25-year-old will officially become a U's player on July 1, when his current deal with the Imps expires. He has signed a two-year package.

Doncaster-born Beevers signed professional forms with Ipswich in March, 2001, but never made a first team appearance for Town. Two years later and he eventually signed on a free transfer to Boston.

Beevers made a big impression at both Boston and near-neighbours Lincoln, for whom he signed in early 2005. He was named supporters' player-of-the-year at both clubs, for his consistent performances across the back-line and also his ability to score goals at a healthy rate.

Now, though, he is looking for a bigger test at a higher level. And of course he will ultimately be looking to help Colchester to promotion, and potential league games against his first club Ipswich!

“It's a step up for me, and something that I have been looking forward to for a long time,” admitted Beevers.

“I played so many games at full-back last season, despite normally being a centre-half, so I feel that I can adapt to any positions.”

Beevers, who played 82 games for Boston, went on to make 172 league appearances for Lincoln. He was City's longest-serving player, operating mainly as a centre-half before his switch to full-back last term. He featured in 47 games for the Imps last season, including 44 of the 46 league games.