KANE Vincent-Young says it was tough to leave Colchester United – but that the opportunity to join Ipswich Town was too big to turn down.

The 23-year-old full-back has completed his switch to the League One side for an undisclosed fee, which reports suggest could be in the region of £500,000.

Vincent-Young has signed a four-year contract with Town after leaving the U’s and ending his five-year stay, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

But the talented right-back, who made 126 appearances for the U’s, says he has fond memories of his time at the club.

Vincent-Young told the Gazette: “It’s tough to leave Colchester but at the same time, the opportunity was too big for me to turn down.

“I’m leaving people that I respect and love at Colchester and I leave with fond memories.

“I’m very thankful to the club and to the fans, many of whom have sent me some lovely messages.

“I came to Colchester when I was 18, so at that stage I had a lot of development to come, both on and off the pitch.

“It makes me feel old thinking back to my debut against Blackpool (in 2015) and time has flown by since then.

“I’d like to think I’ve progressed since then but it comes with a lot of hard work.

“I have to thank all of the numerous coaches I’ve worked under particularly John (McGreal) and Bally (Steve Ball), who have given me a fantastic, consistent run of games.”

Vincent-Young has established himself as an attack-minded full-back and scored some fine goals during his time at Colchester.

His first-ever professional goal was a magnificent solo effort against Forest Green Rovers, in 2017.

“Scoring that first goal against Forest Green stands out, as does scoring in the last minute at Cambridge last season,” said the former Spurs youngster.

“I also remember well the 3-2 win we had at Sheffield United a few years ago, when Jamie Jones saved a penalty.

“To go and do that at Bramall Lane in front of those fans was incredible.”

Colchester head to Grimsby Town tonight still looking for their first League Two win of the season.

But Vincent-Young has no doubt that his former team-mates will be in the promotion mix, come the end of the campaign.

“I have every faith in that group of boys to do well, this season,” said Vincent-Young, who earlier this month was linked with Luton Town and Charlton Athletic.

“There’s always ups and downs and during the course of any season, there are highs and lows but I’ve no doubt that these boys can challenge for promotion.”

Vincent-Young completed his move to Ipswich yesterday, several days after news of the potential transfer broke.

“It’s my first experience of moving clubs like this,” added Vincent-Young, who was at London Road last weekend to see his new club Ipswich draw 2-2 with Peterborough United, in their League One clash.

“I didn’t realise so much goes into it and I’m glad it’s all done and dusted.

“I’m chuffed – it’s a privilege to join a club the size of Ipswich.

“I didn’t have an idea of how big the fanbase is until I pulled up at Peterborough and there were around 4,000 fans there.

“It will be even better when there are 20,000-plus fans at Portman Road.

“My main aim is to replicate when I’ve done at Colchester and I’ll continue to work hard to do that.”