Hopper leaves Colchester to join Southend

Tom Hopper scored his last goal for Colchester in an EFL Trophy game against Arsenal's under-21 side in November

Colchester United have cancelled the contract of forward Tom Hopper, who has signed for National League club Southend United.

The 31-year-old joined Colchester from Lincoln City in January 2023 and scored seven goals in 81 league appearances.

Hopper had a previous 18-month spell with Southend from 2018 to 2020 before being signed by the Imps for an undisclosed fee.

"When I left it was under a bit of a cloud. I wasn't going thinking it was amazing to be leaving, I really loved it here," he said.

"There's a chance now to try and carry on where I left off and play a part in the upward trajectory of the club, having been here as it was going through a bit of a struggle."