JEVANI Brown has revealed John McGreal’s keenness to sign him was the decisive factor in him joining Colchester United.

The 24-year-old attacker has signed a two-year deal with the U’s, after joining them from League Two rivals Cambridge United for an undisclosed fee.

Brown says head coach McGreal’s desire to bring him to the club was a key reason for him signing for the U’s.

Brown told the Gazette: “As soon as I spoke to the gaffer, his eagerness to get me in made up my mind.

“They were very keen to work with me and that’s what I like.

“There was interest from other clubs as well but once I’d spoken to the gaffer and Bally (Steve Ball), their keenness made up my mind.

“I’m delighted to be at Colchester – I’m over the moon.

“Colchester is a big club going in the right direction.

“If you look at the stature of the club, we’re at least a League One club.

“I’ve come here looking forward to the season and I’m looking to help us get promoted back to where the club belongs.”

Brown’s arrival has been met with a good deal of positivity among Colchester supporters – something that the former Peterborough United youngster is quick to acknowledge.

“I’m delighted that there’s been a positive reaction from the Colchester fans,” he said.

“Now it’s just about me trying to keep them happy and help the club get back to where they belong and repay them for their homely welcoming by doing it on the field.”

Brown pulled on a Colchester shirt for the first time when he played 45 minutes in their 2-0 friendly win at Dulwich Hamlet, on Tuesday night.

The Jamaica under-17 international set up both of his side’s goals in their victory over their National League South hosts.

Brown said: “I’m pleased with the 45 minutes I got against Dulwich.

“It’s the first football that I’ve played 11v11 this summer.

“It was good and it’s was good to get a couple of assists.”

Brown is now currently with the rest of the Colchester squad in Cheshire, at their pre-season training camp at Carden Park.

He added: “It’ll be a good few days away with the lads.

“We’ll be away in a hotel together in the next few days and there’s more time to spend with each other.

“It’ll be a good chance to get to know everyone properly and start building bonds and hopefully that will be reflected on the pitch.”