MATT Jay has a new club after leaving Colchester United.

Jay has his U's contract cancelled yesterday by mutual consent yesterday and has now signed for National League South side Torquay United.

Jay, who was born in nearby Torbay, has agreed a long-term deal with the Gulls until the summer of 2027, with Torquay said to have tracked his progress for a number of months.

Torquay boss Paul Wotton told the club website: “MJ is someone who I’ve known about for years.

“He brings a wealth of experience, and he has captained a League Two promotion-winning side.

"He’s obviously got tremendous qualities as a football player, and he adds huge value and experience to the squad.

“He’s a forward, we needed to sign some, and I can’t wait to get working with him.

“It’s been quite a long process, but we’ve finally got there, and I’m looking forward to seeing him playing in a Torquay shirt.”

Jay made 39 league and cup appearances for Colchester, after joining them from Exeter City in January, 2023.

He has found a starting spot hard to come by, since joining the U's and will now look to get some game time, following his departure from North Essex.