Colchester United have signed Joel Thompson following his exit from Nottingham Forest, as confirmed by their official club website. Colchester United have snapped up the youngster on a short-term deal after his contract with Nottingham Forest was terminated late last month by mutual consent. He will now be looking to break into the first-team of the League Two side.

Image courtesy of: MATTHEW CHILDS/REUTERS. Thompson, 19, mainly plays as a defensive midfielder. He will give Danny Cowley more competition and depth in the middle of the park.

He has said, as per his new team's website: "I was at Forest for two years and I wasn't getting game time." I came down here last week and had a good chat with the Gaffer, and he told me what his plans were - I was excited by it so I decided to take the jump and move to Colchester.

"I'm here to play men's football, I want to do as much as I can in football and this is my next step. Hopefully the Gaffer will give me that chance. I can play lots of different positions, I love getting on the ball and hopefully I can help the team to win games."

As well as in midfield, Thompson can also operate as a full-back or in the heart of defence which will make him a useful player to have in Colchester United's squad.

His contract runs until January and they will then have a decision to make as to whether to keep hold of him for longer.

Thompson started his career with spells at Carrickfergus Academy, 5th Carrick Boys' Brigade, Greenisland FC and Crusaders before moving over to England.

Nottingham Forest landed him in 2022 and he has been with the Premier League outfit for the last two years.

Colchester United managed to stay up in the last campaign under former Lincoln City, Huddersfield Town and Portsmouth manager Cowley.

They have four points on the board so far this term after their first four fixtures.

The U's drew 1-1 away at Accrington Stanley last time out and are back in action this weekend at home to newly promoted Bromley as they look to return to winning ways.