Colchester United tried to sign striker Mikael Mandron on loan – two years before he arrived in a permanent move from Wigan Athletic.

Former U’s boss Tony Humes, who is now Director of Football at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, wanted to snap up the forward when he was a youngster at Sunderland.

Mandron, 22, has joined Colchester on a two-year deal from Wigan and made his first appearance for his new club in their 3-0 friendly win at Braintree Town yesterday.

Colchester head coach John McGreal said: “Tony Humes tried to bring Mikael here a couple of years ago on loan when he was at Sunderland.

“Tony knew of the player and so did I with Steve (Ball) and we’ve done a lot of background on him.

“I think it’s one that has gone under the radar a bit.

“I know he’s had offers from other clubs and we’ve done well to get him.

“He played six or seven months at Eastleigh and scored 16 or 17 goals when he was there.

“We did the same with Kurtis (Guthrie) the year before and these boys need opportunities to play football.

“He went to Wigan and it was a dream move for him, getting the opportunity to play in the Championship.

“It didn’t work out, in a similar way to the way it didn’t for Cole (Kpekawa).

“With these signings, we’ve highlighted what we’re trying to do with the club and what kind of asset we’re trying to bring in.

“They’re young, hungry, athletic and vibrant boys who want a platform to improve and get the club moving forward.”