SAMMIE McLeod says his time at Maldon and Tiptree has helped turn him into a more versatile player.

The 19-year-old has left the Jammers to join League Two side Colchester United on a two-year deal.

McLeod shone for Wayne Brown's side last season, helping them reach the Bostik League division north play-offs.

The midfielder scored nine times for Maldon before his season was cut short by a leg injury and the former Leicester City youngster said he learnt a lot from his time at Park Drive.

McLeod told the Colchester United website: "It was a good experience in the two years at Leicester and I am also glad that I experienced being at Maldon.

"It's a different type of football and I feel like I have learned a lot from being there and it has made me into more of a versatile player.

"I'm getting stronger and more flexible as my rehab continues and I am confident I will come back stronger.

"The target is to get into the first team and progress from there.

"I'm really pleased to sign for a club like this and I can't wait to get going.

"The injury wasn't great for me and it's been a mental challenge as much as a physical one in working towards getting fit again, but the season was a good one for me until that point."

Billy Roast has left Maldon to join National South side Concord Rangers for a second spell.

"I'm very eager to get going and can’t wait to be playing back at this level," said Roast, who made 47 appearances for the Beach Boys in the 2016/17 season.

"The Gaffer is building an exciting team - I’m looking forward to being a part of it."

Former Maldon striker Junio Ogedi-Uzokwe has signed a new one-year contract extension with Colchester.

The 25-year-old striker will remain at the JobServe Community Stadium until at least the summer of 2020, after the U's activated a year's option in his contract for him to stay put.

Ogedi-Uzokwe, who was due to see his previous deal at Colchester expire this summer, is currently on loan at Derry City.

The SSE Airtricity League side have now extended his loan with them and he will remain there now until November 19.

Ogedi-Uzokwe, who joined Derry in February initially on a six-month loan, will return to Colchester at the end of the Irish season.