FORMER Colchester United midfielder Marley Marshall Miranda has signed for National League new boys Braintree Town.

The 21-year-old has linked up with the Iron, after being released by the U's last month.

Miranda told the Braintree Town website: "It feels really good - I spoke to the manager, I heard he had interest and I'm buzzing to be here.

"I hope I can help out as much as I can and bring that experience that I have in the Football League.

"I'm a front foot midfielder, like to win the ball back, make big tackles and get on the ball as well; I'd like to score a few bangers!

"I can't wait for the season and I think it's going to be a really good one - I think you'll be surprised by what we're going to do."

Madrid-born Miranda played in the Spanish leagues before moving to England when he was 12 years old.

 

He joined Colchester when he was 16, following his release by Brighton and Hove Albion, and was given his Colchester senior debut by Steve Ball in September 2020.

He made his first-ever competitive start for them in their 1-0 win at Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup in August, 2022 having broken into Wayne Brown's squad, following an impressive pre-season.

Miranda found his first-team opportunities limited last season and made two appearances for the U's, in the 2023-24 campaign.

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

In total, Miranda made 29 league and cup appearances for the U's, scoring once.

Miranda joins fellow former Colchester players Freddie Sears and Ryan Clampin at Cressing Road, along with their ex-U's management duo Angelo Harrop and John White.

Braintree have signed George Langston, ahead of their return to the National League.

Defender Langston has joined the Iron, after being released by fellow top-flight side Eastleigh at the end of last season.

The centre-back came through the Watford academy.