Colchester United’s veteran striker Chris Porter has left the club to sign for Crewe Alexandra.

Porter scored 16 goals for the U’s in 2016-17, his best season for a decade, but turned down the offer of a new contract from the Essex club.

The 33-year-old, who began his career at Bury, played for Oldham Athletic, Motherwell and Derby County before joining Sheffield United in 2011.

Porter is the third summer signing by boss David Artell for Crewe, who finished 17th in League Two.

The news comes as U’s forward Sammie Szmodics got the all clear after breaking his leg, against Crewe, in March.

The young striker can resume fitness training after hopefully his final visit to hospital.

Immediately after leaving hospital yesterday morning, he told the U’s official website: “I’m buzzing.

“I’ve had four or five x-rays now and thankfully, we now know the fibula has completely healed. I can crack on with my running and the summer work and then look forward to pre-season again.”

Exactly 12 months ago, the twenty one year old was also recovering from injury and looking ahead to being fully involved in the U’s first team - he has the same goal this time round.

He said: “I’ve had two really bad injuries in the past year but I’m raring to go again. One of my main goals this coming season is to be completely injury-free and have a first ever professional season without getting injured all the way through.”