COLCHESTER United have cancelled the contract of Johnnie Jackson, so that he can sign for League Two leaders Notts County.

Carl Marston

by Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United have cancelled the contract of Johnnie Jackson, so that he can sign for League Two leaders Notts County.

Jackson requested a transfer before the start of the season, feeling unhappy that he was unable to hold down a regular place in Paul Lambert's line-up.

The ex-Tottenham midfielder, who made 20 appearances in the Premier League before his permanent move to the U's in the summer of 2006, has signed a three-year deal with County, who were recently the subject of a multi-million pound takeover by a Middle East consortium.

Jackson enthused: "It's an exciting time for the club, and an exciting time for myself. I came down before the weekend and was made really welcome.

"I looked round the place and was really impressed. I was also impressed by the ambition of the manager and the staff and the new owners and the vision they have got for the club."

Jackson made 115 league appearances for the U's, playing in central midfield as well as left-back and left wing.

The 27-year-old will go straight into the Magpies squad for tonight's trip to Chesterfield.

County are red-hot favourites for promotion, with former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson taking over as Director of Football at Meadow Lane this summer.