COLCHESTER United’s new boss, Joe Dunne, has made his first signing just hours after being officially unveiled as John Ward’s full-time successor.

Dunne has snapped up MK Dons striker Jabo Ibehre on a three-month loan deal.

Ibehre is an experienced 29-year-old front-runner, who enjoyed eight seasons at his first club Leyton Orient, where he chalked up more than 200 league appearances.

He moved on to Walsall in 2008-09, where he scored 15 goals in all competitions in just one campaign, before signing for MK Dons in 2009. He has also had loan spells at Southend and Stockport.

Ibehre will wear the No. 12 shirt with the U’s.

Ibehre said: “I was buzzing to come here and play when I heard a couple of weeks ago that there was interest from Colchester United.

“As a footballer, you just want to play, so I was really happy that an opportunity had opened up.”

Ibehre bagged nine goals for MK Dons last season, including one in the big 5-1 win at Colchester on November 19, 2011.

He started the Dons’ first game of this season, a 2-0 home win over Oldham, and has made four further appearances from the bench.