LUKE Prosser admits he would have loved to have remained at Colchester United – and has revealed he was still in talks with them about staying as recently as last week.

But the former U’s captain insists he is now relishing the prospect of a new challenge at Stevenage and playing in League Two again, next season.

Prosser, who made more than 100 league appearances for Colchester during a four-year spell at the JobServe Community Stadium, was one of four senior players told by the U’s in April that their contracts would not be renewed, in the wake of the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic.

The 32-year-old defender says he would have loved to have stayed with Colchester – but had to make a decision on his next move.

Prosser said: “I’m pleased to get something sorted.

“I was keen to stay at Colchester and we were in talks as of last week.

“I couldn’t really sit and wait any more really; the Stevenage offer had been there for a few weeks and it was too good an opportunity to turn down.

“With all that’s going on, I needed to sort something out for my family.

“Stevenage is only 15 minutes away for me; I’ll be on the school run now for sure in a few weeks’ time when the little one starts school!

“I’d have loved to have stayed (at Colchester) but it wasn’t possible, so you have to move on.

“Being club captain, I loved my time at the club.

“But it’s only going to get tougher in the next few weeks for boys who are still out of contract and still haven’t got anywhere.

“It got to a point where I couldn’t really sit around and wait much longer.

“I needed to make a final decision and I’m really pleased.”

Prosser completed his move to Stevenage on Monday, little more than 24 hours before their League Two status was confirmed for next season after Macclesfield Town were relegated, following an EFL appeal.

The experienced centre-back says he is looking forward to playing under boss Alex Revell, at his new club.

“They’re a good bunch of lads,” said the former Southend United defender.

“I’ve played against Revs (Alex Revell) many times for Colchester and Southend over the years and it’ll be good to play under him.

“It’s a lovely set-up and the training ground is a bit like Colchester’s; it’s brand new and a really nice facility.

“It’s a really nice to go and train every day, that’s for sure so I’m looking forward to it.

“Mark Sampson is there and he’s a very good coach, so it ticks all the right boxes.

“At the age of 32 I’m not old but with everything that’s going on, to be able to get a club – my local club really round the corner – is pleasing.”