8:42am Monday 11th June 2012
By Simon Spurgeon
The vision and drive of manager John Ward was key in persuading Colchester United’s first new summer signing to choose the U’s over some of their League One rivals.
Marcus Bean has completed a move to the Weston Homes Community Stadium on a free transfer after being released by Brentford at the end of last season.
He has joined the U’s on a three-year deal.
The 27-year-old attacking midfielder made more than 140 starts for Brentford over the last four years since signing from Blackpool in July 2008.
His talent was in demand as clubs chased his signature, but he said it was the U’s boss who impressed him most.
Bean told the Gazette: “I first spoke to the manager three weeks ago and was really impressed with his vision.
“Other League One clubs were very interested, but the main factor in me choosing Colchester was how much the manager really wanted me and the role he saw for me.
“I’m an attacking midfielder and I’d say my strengths lie in pushing box-to-box.
“I like to make things happen in and around the box by making and scoring goals.
“Colchester is a team I’ve always admired and you know they are going to be there or thereabouts.
“I don’t think it will take too much for us to make the breakthrough and push on into the play-offs.
“They have always been one of the tougher teams to play against during my time with Brentford and teams don’t want to play Colchester.
“You can see that the manager is a man who is very level-headed and I think his style is going to be different from what I’ve been used to.”
For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, see Monday's Gazette.
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