On a busy afternoon at Colchester United, triallist left-back Ryan Dickson has been snapped up on a free transfer, and Drey Wright has signed a new three-year deal.

Left-back was a problem position for U’s boss Joe Dunne, following the summer departures of loanee Bradley Garmston (back to his parent club West Brom) and John White (to Southend United).

But Dunne has strengthened in this department by signing former Southampton and Brentford defender Dickson on a permanent deal, after the 26-year-old impressed in a series of pre-season friendly outings this summer.

Dickson said: “It’s good to be settled now, and I’ve been happy since I’ve turned up here.”

Meanwhile, left winger Drey Wright, who made a big impression in the first team last season, has signed a new three-year deal.

The 18-year-old has committed himself to the U’s until the summer of 2016.

Wright said: “Doing well enough to earn a new contract is something I’d hoped, as soon as I got my first deal.”

The U’s first team are in pre-season action at Maldon & Tiptree tomorrow afternoon.