SAM Hornby has completed a permanent move to Colchester for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old keeper spent the second half of last season on loan with the U’s and made eight appearances.

Gary Bowyer brought Hornby to Valley Parade in the summer of 2019 as competition for Richard O'Donnell.

He played 32 times in his three years in West Yorkshire - keeping nine clean sheets, including one in what proved to be his final City outing at Rochdale in January.

Hornby had another season on his contract to run but his exit was always on the cards after Mark Hughes recruited Harry Lewis as his new number one and brought back Colin Doyle as the back-up as well as City's goalkeeper coach.

Under-19s prospect Heath Richardson will act as the third keeper.