FORMER Colchester United striker Freddie Sears has signed for Pitching In Isthmian League Premier side Chatham Town.

The 34-year-old forward has linked up with the Chats ahead of the new campaign, having played his part in helping Braintree Town win promotion to the National League, last season.

Sears told the Chatham Town website: "I think the whole project excites me.

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"I was speaking to the manager and I came here the other night and was blown away by the set-up really and the manager's ambitions lead in with what I want to do now.

"I want to come here and get promoted and hopefully, kick on to the next division.

"I just want to get going and start playing.

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"I was here the other night and watched the game and I'm itching to get back out there again, so I can't wait.

Sears, who also had a spell at Dagenham and Redbridge last season before joining Braintree,Β made nearly 200 appearances in total for Colchester, during his two spells at the JobServe Community Stadium.

He scored 57 times for the U's but the former West Ham United youngster was restricted to 14 league starts for the club in the 2022-23 season, with 12 of them coming before November.