FIACRE Kelleher admitted it was an easy call to cut his ties with City and join Colchester.

The big Irishman played only 11 games in claret and amber after Derek Adams signed him in the summer of 2021.

Kelleher featured just three times under Mark Hughes and spent the first half of the season on loan at Solihull Moors.

He said: “The people at Bradford are great and the team’s great.

“But it wasn’t working out for me on a footballing basis, so in that way it was quite easy for me to make up my mind about coming down and being part of a group where I’m going to hopefully play a part.

“The move has come at a good time for me.

“I’m definitely at that age now where I’ve matured and I’ve played a lot of games.

“Physically, I feel very fit and ready, so I think I’m at a good stage of my career.

“When I spoke to the gaffer (Matt Bloomfield) he filled me in with his plans and what he expects, not just this season but going into next season.

“I have a lot of hope and a lot of optimism about what this club and this team can do.”

Kelleher has signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the U’s, who visit Valley Parade on March 4. The 26-year-old is happy to have the security of a longer deal as he relocates in the south east.

“It’s important for me and my partner to have that (contract), so that we can come down here and make it home,” he added.

“That’s really important and the length of the contract is really good so we can come here, settle in and really feel part of the community as well.

“Funnily enough, we just bought our first home in August; we just had it looking nice by Christmas time and this comes round the corner but that’s football.

“I couldn’t pass up this opportunity, it was just too big and too inviting.

“There’s a bit of anxiety about moving and about meeting new people again and everything.

“For me personally, I’m a bit shy at the start so meeting new people can be a bit hard so it’s just getting all of that out of the way and then hopefully I can just settle down and play some good football.”

There is one familiar face in the Colchester ranks from his time at City - goalkeeper Sam Hornby.

“I know Sam from Bradford, so that’s made it easier,” said Kelleher.

“I went round to his the other night for a bit of dinner and stuff so everybody has been lovely so far and I’m sure that will stay the same.”