U's sign Iwelumo

Colchester have signed former Stoke City striker Chris Iwelumo.

U's boss Phil Parkinson has made his first foray into the transfer market this summer by signing the big Scottish striker.

The 26-year-old has been in Germany with Alemannia Aachen, but has signed for the League One side on a free transfer.

"The club's ambition is what sold the move to me," Iwelumo told the club's website.

"I had a good chat with the gaffer here and he has got a lot of ambition. At training today, I spoke with the players and it's the same thing - everyone's heading in the same direction, so I'm looking forward to it."

"It was good to know a manager wants you and I've come here to show why he has been interested in me by performing on the pitch.

"I know the fans expectations and hopefully I can fulfil them."

Parkinson believes he has signed the ideal man for the coming League One campaign.

"He's a big, strong powerful lad and I think he'll need that strength in this division," said Parkinson of his new recruit.

"Over those winter months when the going gets a little bit rough, you need those sorts of physical players.

"I'm confident he'll score and make goals for people,"

"He's a good character and fits the criteria of everything we are looking for.

"His age, the fact he is at the peak of his career and that he is an excellent character meant the whole package appealed to us."