DAN Holman – who was on trial with Southend United last week – has signed for Colchester United.

Holman, who has spent the past two seasons at Conference side Braintree Town, was not invited to join Blues on their pre-season trip to Spain this week.

Brown said he expected Holman, inset, to join another Conference side but instead Colchester United have swooped and signed him on a two-year deal.

However, Brown does see the striker as a missed transfer target.

“I'm happy for Dan that's got a move to Colchester but I certainly don't see him as someone we've missed out on,” said the Blues boss.

“We saw him for a couple of days and then he said he had secured a move elsewhere.

“These things happen all the time in pre-season, it's all about lining players up and looking at who is available.

“We didn't really see much of Dan if we're being honest but I certainly wish him all the very best with Colchester now.

“And, funnily enough, I think the publicity he got from being on trial with us could well have helped get the move as well.”