Watford favourite Lloyd Doyley has joined Colchester United on a free transfer.

The Hornets legend has been without a club since leaving Rotherham United at the end of last season after helping them to safety in the Championship, but had been training at London Colney to maintain his fitness levels.

The 33-year-old, who is in fifth place on Watford's all-time list of appearance makers, insisted his hunger for the game had not wavered when he spoke to the Watford Observer in July.

Doyley, who need just two more appearances to reach the 400-mark in league football, could make his debut for the U's in tomorrow's home fixture against Newport County, subject to the relevant paperwork being cleared in time.

The defender's new club have given themselves a platform to build from in League Two this season and are currently 11th in the table, two points outside the play-off zone.