BRIAN Wilson is ready to put two years of injury hell behind him and help Colchester United get back into the Championship alongside ‘father figure’ John Ward.

Long-term Bristol City manager Gary Johnson was preparing to give the 27-year-old a new deal at the south west club this summer, despite the fact that two major injuries had kept his 2007 signing out of action for virtually two entire seasons.

Johnson left the club in March following some big defeats though and caretaker boss Keith Millen informed Wilson that he wouldn’t be getting a contract extension after all.

A number of clubs immediately showed interest once he became a free agent, but as soon as Wilson’s former Cheltenham boss came calling he quickly made up his mind to join the Essex club.

“A few clubs showed some interest in me over the summer, but as soon as the gaffer (Ward) came calling I knew I wanted to go to Colchester,” said Wilson, who had metal pins inserted in both legs to combat Compact Syndrome in 2008 before breaking his leg almost immediately upon his return to action in October last year.

“I worked with John at Cheltenham and he was like a father figure to me so him being here was a big factor in the move.”

The new U’s signing, who has impressed at right-back in the opening three games of the season, added: “I’ve been promoted from League Two when I was with John Ward at Cheltenham and I’ve experienced promotion from League One with Bristol City, so I know what it’s all about.

“I want to push on and get back in the Championship and I see no reason why that can’t be with Colchester.”

– For full story, see today’s EADT.