Colchester have completed a double transfer swoop with the signings of experienced Crystal Palace full-back Danny Granville and Arsenal youngster Matthew Connolly.

Colchester have completed a double transfer swoop with the signings of experienced Crystal Palace full-back Danny Granville and Arsenal youngster Matthew Connolly.

Granville, 32, has joined on a free transfer and is a direct replacement for left-back Chris Barker, who was on loan at Layer Road last season but has since joined QPR.

Centre-half Connolly, 19, spent three months at Bournemouth last term and arrives on a season-long loan from the Emirates Stadium.

The duo take manager Geraint Williams' summer signings to six, joining Teddy Sheringham, Mark Yeates, Clive Platt and Luke Guttridge at the Essex club.