COLCHESTER United director of football Tony Humes says the club are fully focused on signing a replacement for outgoing winger Brennan Dickenson.

The 26-year-old has joined League One newcomers MK Dons after spending three seasons at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Dickenson was one of the out-of-contract players offered new terms at the end of last season but has instead opted to sign for Paul Tisdale's side.

Humes admits it is a blow to lose him but says the club already have "recruitment targets" in terms of potential replacements.

"Brennan did really well in his time at the club and worked hard to come back from injury and get back in the first team," he said.

"We offered him a contract to extend his time at Colchester but he had a good offer from MK Dons.

"We wish him all the best at his next club.

"Brennan will be a loss because of the positions he played but it's something we're aiming to address with a replacement.

"We've got recruitment targets and will see how they develop in the coming weeks."

Dickenson joined three years ago and, in his first season, scooped the player-of-the-year and players' player-of-the-year accolades.

After battling back from a serious knee injury, he went on to make a total of 93 appearances, scoring 15 goals.

“I’m very pleased to join such a great club,” Dickenson said in his first interview with the MK Dons website.

“This is a great club with a great stadium.

"I’ve heard lots of good things about the manager and know a few of the boys as well.

"Everything just seems right.

“I’m excited to meet everyone, the players and the fans, and get going. Hopefully it will be a good season.”

A former Southampton trainee, Dickenson began his senior career with Dorchester Town before joining Brighton and Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee in January 2012.

He enjoyed loan spells with Chesterfield, AFC Wimbledon and Northampton Town before signing for Gillingham, where he spent two seasons and made 78 appearances.

Other Colchester players are also out of contract this summer, including long-serving defender Tom Eastman and Sammie Szmodics, who finished last season as leading scorer with 15 goals.