Central defender Matt Heath has joined Colchester United on a permanent basis.

Matt made four appearances for Colchester while on loan at Layer Road in April and the player, who proved popular with U's fans, has made the switch permanent.

Matt spent less than two years at Leeds, having joined the club, initially on loan, from Coventry City in November 2006.

The 27-year-old made his debut against Colchester at Elland Road, and is pictured above playing in the return at Layer Road on Easter Monday 2007.

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His move was made permanent on January 1 2007 and he went on to make 59 appearances, scoring four goals.

Matt was an ever-present for the club this season until New Year's Day, but he started just one game following the 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Oldham on January 1.

The one-time Leicester youngster scored our first goal of the season when he headed home our equaliser at Tranmere Rovers on the opening day of the season, pictured.

The defender, the first departure of the summer, joins Colchester with the best wishes of everyone at Elland Road.